AMD is currently developing a new series of APUs (Accelerated Processing Units) for the upcoming generation of computing devices. Internally known as Strix Point, Sarlak, and Kraken, details regarding these upcoming chipsets have recently emerged from the South Korean blog site, Gamma0burst.
Strix Point APUs: Ryzen 8050 Series
Expected to be released later this year, the Strix Point APUs are likely to be branded as the Ryzen 8050 series. These APUs are rumored to feature AMD's next-generation Zen 5 CPU architecture and an upgraded RDNA 3.5 graphics architecture. One significant addition is a dedicated AI processing unit based on the XDNA 2 architecture, potentially boosting performance by up to 48 TOPS – a notable advancement in AI capability. Strix Point is anticipated to succeed AMD's current "Hawk Point" generation of APUs.
Kraken: AMD's 2025 Lineup
AMD's 2025 lineup, Kraken, is also slated to make use of the Zen 5 and RDNA 3.5 architectures. Speculations suggest an 8-core configuration, potentially incorporating a mix of Zen 5 and energy-efficient Zen 5C cores, alongside an RDNA 3.5 GPU equipped with 8 Compute Units (CUs).
Both the Strix and Kraken APUs are rumored to be produced using a 4nm process, although the accuracy of this information remains uncertain.
The leaked details also highlight the distinctions between Strix and Sarlak. Despite initial associations, the leak indicates that they are distinct processors.
The Strix APU lineup is anticipated to offer a variety of chips, ranging from a single-die design featuring 12 CPU cores and 16 CUs to a top-tier multi-chip version with up to 16 CPU cores and an impressive 40 CUs.
Furthermore, the Gamma0burst leak hints at a new processor codenamed 'Sound Wave' in development, with the only known detail being the potential use of a 3nm manufacturing process.
With limited information available, the capabilities and timeline of Sound Wave remain enshrouded in mystery.
APUs are favored for compact systems and laptops where strong graphics and efficient processing are crucial within a restricted form factor. AMD is making significant strides in APU development, and we will keep you informed about any further advancements.
