Fresh clues point to AMD gearing up Strix Point desktop APUs for the AM5 platform, and the big takeaway is eye-catching: up to 12 cores and 24 threads on Zen 5 with RDNA 3.5 graphics. If true, this would be a meaningful leap over current Ryzen 8000G-class offerings and a stronger fit for gamers and small-form-factor PCs that rely on integrated graphics.
The latest hints come from AGESA BIOS firmware. References to “STRIX” have been spotted inside AGESA 1.2.7.0 binaries, with supporting evidence shown via hex editor strings and UEFITool firmware structure screenshots. Those same listings also mention Raphael (RPL) and Phoenix (PHX) alongside “STX,” reinforcing the idea that Strix Point is being enabled for AM5 motherboards. Multiple independent posts on X highlight these findings, suggesting that board partners are preparing updates ahead of a desktop APU rollout.
Why this matters: earlier chatter focused on Kraken Point APUs landing on AM5 as entry-level options. While Kraken Point is expected to offer budget-friendly RDNA 3.5 iGPUs, it likely won’t satisfy enthusiasts hoping for stronger desktop-class integrated graphics. Even the laptop-class Radeon 890M on Strix Point can struggle in some modern titles, so if AMD brings Strix Point to AM5 with higher power budgets and tuned clocks, desktop users could see notably better performance than what Phoenix-based Ryzen 8000G delivered.
Timing lines up with previous reports that Zen 5-based Ryzen 9000G APUs would arrive in the fourth quarter of 2025. With AGESA 1.2.7.0 now appearing in the wild, a late-2025 launch window seems increasingly realistic. Expect multiple SKUs, spanning mainstream to high-end configurations.
What to watch next:
– Motherboard BIOS updates containing AGESA 1.2.7.0 or related builds
– More firmware string leaks referencing STX/Strix across vendor BIOS packages
– Performance previews that clarify how RDNA 3.5 scales on desktop power limits
Rumor credibility: Probable (61-80%). Multiple independent firmware teases and consistent naming across tools make a compelling case, though official confirmation and specifications are still pending.
If AMD delivers 12-core, 24-thread Zen 5 APUs with RDNA 3.5 graphics on AM5, it could redefine what an iGPU-powered desktop can do, offering stronger gaming performance, smoother creator workflows, and a simpler path to compact, dGPU-free builds—while maintaining AM5’s long-term upgrade promise.
