AMD’s Strix Halo “Ryzen AI MAX” APUs have set a new benchmark in the world of high-performance SoCs and are now accessible to DIY PC builders thanks to the introduction of MoDT motherboards.
A notable leap in the DIY PC market, the collaboration with Sixunited, a Chinese PC manufacturer, has debuted the STHT1 Thin Mini-ITX motherboard, bringing this impressive technology to a broader audience. Powered by AMD’s Strix Halo “Ryzen AI MAX” platform, it merges powerful Zen 5 cores with an enhanced RDNA 3.5 GPU, ensuring exceptional performance in a single package.
Previously limited to laptops and Mini PCs, the Strix Halo series is now venturing into new territory, including potential applications in handheld devices and DIY motherboards.
Sixunited’s STHT1 motherboard supports the FP11-based AMD Strix Halo “Ryzen AI MAX” APUs. Although specific SKUs aren’t detailed, its FP11 basis allows for various Ryzen AI MAX chips. Notably, this is a non-socketed platform, meaning the chip is soldered directly to the board.
The Ryzen AI MAX 300 “Strix Halo” lineup offers several choices:
1. Ryzen AI Max+ 395: 16 Zen 5 cores, 3.25 GHz, 80 MB cache, 40 CUs (Radeon 8060S), 45-120W TDP
2. Ryzen AI Max 390: 12 Zen 5 cores, 3.45 GHz, 76 MB cache, 40 CUs (Radeon 8060S), 45-120W TDP
3. Ryzen AI Max 385: 8 Zen 5 cores, 3.65 GHz, 40 MB cache, 32 CUs (Radeon 8050S), 45-120W TDP
4. Ryzen AI Max 380: 6 Zen 5 cores, 3.49 GHz, 22 MB cache, 16 CUs (Radeon 8040S), 45-120W TDP
The STHT1 motherboard can support up to 128 GB of LPDDR5X-8000 memory, crucial for maintaining robust GPU performance by providing ample bandwidth. This memory, shared with the GPU, allows for advanced computing tasks, making the motherboard an ideal DIY “AI” setup box, particularly for mobile workstations.
Powering the motherboard, Sixunited has equipped it with at least 16 VRM power phases for the SOC and a 4+1 phase design for other components.
Feature-rich, it includes two M.2 2280 SSD slots (Gen 4.0 x4), an M.2 2230 slot for a Wi-Fi card, and versatile USB options. Display outputs are plentiful with HDMI, DP, VGA, COM, and eDP multi-monitor support, alongside a standard RJ45 LAN and audio ports.
Despite its impressive specs, it lacks PCIe slots, aligning with the powerful integrated RDNA 3.5 GPUs, which rival NVIDIA’s RTX 5060 Ti without needing separate power delivery.
There’s been no announcement on pricing or availability, but it’s likely to debut in APAC markets, promising competitive pricing based on MoDT (Mobile on Desktop) trends.
