AMD appears to be on the verge of launching an exciting new variant of its Ryzen Z2 handheld-focused APU lineup, with a distinct emphasis on bolstering AI performance. This move seems to be part of AMD’s broader strategy to solidify its grip on the handheld market. With the introduction of the Z2 APU series, they are geared up to set a new benchmark in performance capabilities.
According to a leak from well-known insider @AnhPhuH, AMD might be preparing to unveil a model rumored to be named “Ryzen Z2 AI Extreme.” This version is expected to offer superior AI capabilities, distinguishing it from other models in the lineup that do not feature the AI designation.
Although AI processing might not be a top priority for handheld devices currently, AMD appears to be positioning itself against Intel’s upcoming Lunar Lake SoCs, which are designed with commendable AI throughput. While the standard Z2 series is slated to have not have active NPUs on gaming handhelds, the Ryzen Z2 AI Extreme variant is rumored to include some form of AI acceleration, potentially enhancing the performance for AI-specific applications.
Additionally, the insider mentioned a Ryzen Z2 A model, which remains somewhat of a mystery in terms of specifications. However, given the ordering of the chips in the leak, it’s anticipated that this will be an affordable model sporting an NPU, thus enabling devices to handle AI-based tasks efficiently. AMD’s Z2 series appears to be quite versatile, offering five different SoC options, providing integrators with plenty of flexibility to cater to a range of needs.
As far as the technical specifics go, the Ryzen Z2 Extreme is set to be the flagship chip. It features 8 cores and 16 threads, a boost clock reaching up to 5.0 GHz, 24 MB of cache, a TDP ranging between 15 to 35W, and 16 RDNA 3.5 iGPU cores. What makes it truly groundbreaking is that it will be built on the “Strix Point” die, marking it as the first handheld-focused chip using Zen5 architecture. Following this powerhouse will be the Z2 Go and the standard Z2 models, which will be built using Rembrandt and Hawk Point dies, respectively.
This development signals an exciting time for AMD enthusiasts and industry watchers, as the tech giant continues to innovate and push the boundaries of what is possible with handheld processors. Fans can anticipate a new era of handheld computing, with devices capable of more complex and powerful AI tasks.
