There’s fresh buzz surrounding the AMD Ryzen Z2 series that has captured enthusiasts’ attention. A recent update clarifies some confusion about the specifications of the much-anticipated Ryzen Z2 Extreme model. Initially, it was rumored that the variant featuring 16 Compute Units (CUs) might get canceled—a claim that has now been debunked. In reality, the “Extreme X” variant being referred to is actually the “Extreme,” which will indeed boast 16 RDNA 3.5 Compute Units, correcting the previous assumption that capped it at 12 CUs.
Accompanying this revelation is confirmation of the CPU’s core configurations. These chips are speculated to house 8 cores, comprising a combination of 3 Zen5 and 5 Zen5c cores. This type of hybrid design is not new to AMD, as seen in previous models like the Ryzen Z1 non-Extreme, though the Z1 only carried 4 CUs—marking a shift towards more robust GPU capabilities in the newer lineup.
AMD is also anticipated to roll out two other variants: the Ryzen Z2 and Z2G. Both are expected to feature up to 8 CPU cores, but they rely on older architectures—Zen4 and Zen3+, respectively. These will have up to 12 RDNA Compute Units, drawing from RDNA3 and RDNA2 technologies.
If these rumors hold true, the Ryzen Z2 series will offer users a broad spectrum of integrated Radeon series options, including 890M, 780M, and 680M. This eclectic mix within a single product family could lead to a series of exciting new handheld systems slated for next year. However, with three different architectures under one roof, prospective buyers should brace themselves for discovering the nuances among them. Prepare for an exciting wave of new entries in the tech space as these handheld systems make their debut.
