Tag: AMD Ryzen

  • Ugreen Launches AMD NAS with Dual 10 GbE, Up to 144TB

    Key Takeaway

    – Ugreen’s new NASync DXP4800 GT uses an AMD Ryzen Embedded R2514 processor, which is less powerful than the Intel chips in the Plus and Pro models.
    – The device features dual 10 GbE ports (upgraded from a 2.5 GbE + 10 GbE setup) and ships with 8 GB DDR4 ECC RAM, expandable to 64 GB.
    – It offers 4 SATA bays and 2 M.2 slots, with support for U.2 SSDs in the first two bays.
    – The launch price is $525.99 (20% off the $659.99 MSRP) using the code “DXP4800GT,” making it cheaper than the Plus and Pro models.

    New NAS Models from Ugreen

    UGreen has expanded its NASync DXP lineup by introducing two new NAS devices, namely, the NASync DXP4800 GT and the DXP2800 GT, in the global market. To recall, Ugreen already announced the GT lineup in its home country last month. The former is a 4-bay NAS, which joins the Intel-powered DXP4800 Plus and DXP4800 Pro models in the brand’s roster. However, we have already covered the DXP2800 GT separately, and you can read about it here.

    AMD Ryzen Processor Choice

    This time around, Ugreen has opted for an AMD Ryzen option for its NASync GT lineup. Speaking more precisely, the DXP4800 GT is powered by a 4-core, 8-thread AMD Ryzen Embedded R2514 processor, which is less powerful compared to the Pentium Gold 8505 and Core i3-1315U found in the Plus and Pro models.

    Memory and Storage Details

    Furthermore, Ugreen has paired the DXP4800 GT NAS with a single 8 GB DDR4 memory with ECC support. In any case, the DDR4 memory can be expanded up to 64 GB, but the global model only ships with 8 GB RAM. The new DXP4800 GT features a black-and-gold color design instead of the silver finish used on the previous models. Like its siblings, there are four bays for traditional 3.5-inch SATA drives plus two M.2 slots. However, the first and second bays can also accommodate U.2 SSDs.

    Connectivity Options

    In terms of connectivity, Ugreen now offers dual 10 GbE ports for the DXP4800 GT, replacing the 2.5 GbE + 10 GbE setup found in the last generation models. Nevertheless, it offers a variety of ports on the rear panel, including 2 x USB 2.0 ports, 1 x 10 Gbps USB-A, and HDMI. Up front, you get another 10 Gbps USB-A and 10 Gbps USB-C port, plus an SD card reader and status LEDs for the drives and Ethernet connections.

    Pricing and Availability

    The Ugreen NASync DXP4800 GT has an MSRP of $659.99. As a part of a launch offer, the company is offering a straight 20% discount via the “DXP4800GT” code, bringing its price down from $659.99 to $525.99 for a limited time. Interested buyers can purchase it from Ugreen’s official website and Amazon. For context, the GT model is slightly cheaper than the DXP4800 Plus and Pro models, which are currently available in the US for $619.99 and $679.99, respectively. We also have the review unit and are working on a full review. We are excited to see how the DXP4800 GT stands against its competitors.


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    • Pay for Ryzen 7, Get Less Than Ryzen 5 in AMD Marketing Spin

      Pay for Ryzen 7, Get Less Than Ryzen 5 in AMD Marketing Spin

      Key Takeaway

      – Ryzen AI 7 345 laptops are priced higher than Ryzen AI 5 340 counterparts, despite the 7 model being slower in core configuration and overall performance.
      – The 345’s core count is effectively two large Zen 5 cores plus an underclocked Zen 5c core, with a 200 MHz lower boost clock, reducing CPU performance versus the 5 340.
      – AMD has halved the L3 cache and removed two PCIe 4.0 lanes (out of 16), contributing to the performance disadvantage.
      – The Radeon 840M GPU remains the same in both chips but with only four compute units, making it unsuitable for most gaming.
      – Overall, the Ryzen AI 7 345 offers less performance than expected in its tier, while being more expensive.

      The initial preorders for the new AMD Ryzen AI 7 345 equipped laptops have begun in Europe, and a quick glance at the price comparison site Geizhals confirms this. The most affordable notebook with this processor is listed at €999, indicating that systems sporting Ryzen AI 7 345 are notably pricier than those built around Ryzen AI 5 340, such as the HP OmniBook 3 which can be found around $590 on certain retailers.

      Pricing contrasts and expectations

      Interestingly, consumers may assume the 7-series would outpace the 5-series, yet the Ryzen AI 7 345 actually trails the Ryzen AI 5 340 in overall performance. The core reason given is that the newest Ryzen design name is a bit deceptive, since the chip features only two full Zen 5 cores rather than three, and those two cores run at a boost clock that sits about 200 MHz lower. An extra Zen 5c core exists, but it operates at even lower frequencies, which could translate to slightly reduced CPU performance relative to the Ryzen AI 5 340.

      Hardware specifics and gaming implications

      On the memory and I/O front, AMD has trimmed the L3 cache by half when compared with the Ryzen AI 5 340, and two PCIe 4.0 lanes have been removed from the mix. The Radeon 840M GPU design remains the same on both chips, yet with only four compute units, it tends to be too slow for many modern games. When looking at the Ryzen AI 7 350 as a reference point, the newest Ryzen AI 7 appears considerably slower than what one might expect from a top-tier member of this family.

      In sum, the price-to-performance relationship for the Ryzen AI 7 345 seems misaligned at present, with higher costs not clearly rewarded by stronger performance in typical workloads. Prospective buyers might weigh these dynamics carefully, especially if gaming or heavy multitasking is a primary concern, and compare closely against Ryzen AI 5 340 options before committing to a purchase.

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    • Orange Pi Neo Handheld Gaming Delayed by Rising RAM and Storage Costs

      Orange Pi Neo Handheld Gaming Delayed by Rising RAM and Storage Costs

      Key Takeaways

      1. The creation of the Orange Pi Neo gaming handheld is paused due to variations in RAM and storage prices, influenced by ongoing component shortages.
      2. The project is still active but uncertain when it will launch, reflecting bleak supply chain issues for smaller tech companies.
      3. The Manjaro Gaming Edition has made progress and received CE and FCC certifications, indicating potential for future success.
      4. The Neo handheld is nearly two years old and may need a refresh with newer technology to remain competitive.
      5. Originally priced at $450, the Neo handheld is likely to cost more due to current market conditions, prompting buyers to consider alternatives like the ROG Xbox Ally at $580.

      It seems that the creation of the Orange Pi Neo gaming handheld has been paused, with its creator pointing to variations in RAM and storage prices as the main cause of this issue. The ongoing shortages of components have clearly impacted many products, with the Neo handheld now being one of the latest casualties.

      Project Still Alive

      Despite this setback, the project hasn’t been completely abandoned and remains active – the only uncertain factor now is when it will launch. Given the absence of any uplifting news regarding the supply chain problems affecting tech companies, the outlook seems rather bleak for smaller players like Orange Pi.

      Progress in Gaming Edition

      On a brighter note, the Manjaro Gaming Edition has shown significant advancements, as shared by philm from the Manjaro team. The gaming handheld has also received its CE and FCC certifications, which is certainly encouraging. It looks like if the supply chain situation improves, the Neo handheld initiative should be back on its feet.

      Aging Technology and Pricing

      It’s important to point out that the Neo handheld is nearly two years old now, and it is still anticipated to include AMD Ryzen 7 7840U and 8840U APUs. While the Zen 4-based processors are impressive, they aren’t as competitive as they were two years ago. With the ongoing delays, it may become necessary to refresh the device with a newer APU.

      The pricing was originally set at $450 for the entry-level model featuring 16 GB of memory and 512 GB of storage. However, given the current market conditions, the Orange Pi Neo handheld will likely be priced significantly higher if it hits the market soon. For now, those who urgently need a gaming handheld will have to opt for alternatives like the ROG Xbox Ally, which is currently priced at $580 on Amazon.

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    • High-Performance Mini PC with 12-Core Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 Chip

      High-Performance Mini PC with 12-Core Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 Chip

      Key Takeaways

      1. The Slimbook One mini PC features an AMD Strix Point APU with up to 12 cores, making it suitable for moderate workloads.
      2. It comes pre-loaded with Linux, appealing to fans of free and open-source software (FOSS).
      3. The device has integrated GPUs (Radeon 780M and 890M) for light gaming, while external GPUs can be connected for more demanding tasks.
      4. It offers dual M.2 slots for up to 16 TB of SSD storage and has a compact size of 130 x 158 x 53 mm, weighing about 0.7 kg.
      5. Pricing starts at $699 for the Ryzen 7 variant and $999 for the Ryzen AI 9 version, both currently available at a $50 discount.

      Alongside the Slimbook Executive laptop that runs on Linux, Slimbook has launched a new mini PC called the Slimbook One. This device is equipped with an AMD Strix Point APU that can have up to 12 cores, making it suitable for handling moderate workloads. Additionally, fans of free and open-source software (FOSS) will appreciate that the device comes pre-loaded with Linux.

      Powerful Hardware Specs

      At the core of the Slimbook One, you will find the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 APU which boasts 12 cores built on the Zen 5 architecture. It supports a maximum of 128 GB of DDR5-5600 memory thanks to dual SO-DIMM slots. There’s also a more affordable version featuring the capable 8-core Ryzen 7 H 255 APU based on Zen 4, which is expected to deliver about 85% of the performance of its more expensive counterpart, according to synthetic benchmarks.

      Graphics and Performance

      The compact mini PC does not have space for dedicated internal graphics and instead utilizes the Radeon 780M and Radeon 890M integrated GPUs available in the Zen 4 and Zen 5 models, respectively. The 890M is estimated to be 20% to 30% more efficient for gaming compared to the 780M, as confirmed by our test results. However, as integrated GPUs, both are only suitable for light gaming and less demanding tasks.

      For those looking to tackle more demanding applications or gaming, users can connect powerful external GPUs through the mini PC’s OCuLink port. The Strix Point version includes a 50 TOPS NPU, while the Hawk Point model does not offer this feature. The I/O options are quite impressive, featuring several ports.

      Storage and Size

      Storage needs are met with dual M.2 2280 (PCIe 4.0 x4) slots that can hold up to 16 TB of SSD storage. Measuring at 130 x 158 x 53 mm, the Slimbook One is very compact and weighs about 0.7 kg or 1.5 lbs.

      The Slimbook One is now available for sale, with prices set at $699 for the AMD Ryzen 7 H 255 variant and $999 for the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 version, both of which come with 16 GB of DDR5-5600 RAM and a 500 GB NVMe SSD. Currently, both models are enjoying a $50 discount, likely as part of a launch promotion.

      Clearly, the Slimbook One mini PC is ready to compete against models like the GMK Evo-X1, Minisforum AI X1 Pro, and Beelink SER9 Pro, which is priced at $930 on Amazon. However, whether this product justifies its cost will only be confirmed once it receives reviews.

      Slimbook, as noted by Liliputing.

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    • Dynabook Launches 16″ Tecra A65-M and 14″ A45-M Laptops with AMD Ryzen

      Dynabook Launches 16″ Tecra A65-M and 14″ A45-M Laptops with AMD Ryzen

      Key Takeaways

      1. Dynabook has launched the Tecra A45-M and A65-M laptops for business use, featuring AI-ready AMD Ryzen processors.
      2. The A45-M is priced at $859, while the A65-M starts at $1,099, with availability from late December 2025.
      3. Both models support consumer-grade and business-grade AMD Ryzen CPUs and come with 16 GB of DDR5 RAM, upgradeable to 64 GB.
      4. They feature 1,920 x 1,200 LCD screens, multiple USB ports, HDMI output, and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity.
      5. Both laptops meet MIL-STD-810H durability standards, weigh under 1.7 kg, and have a battery life supported by 60 Wh batteries.

      Dynabook Americas has introduced the new Tecra A45-M and A65-M laptops designed for business use, featuring AI-ready AMD Ryzen processors. The A45-M has an introductory price of $859, while the A65-M begins at $1,099. These new Tecra models will be available from Dynabook starting in late December 2025.

      Processor Options and Features

      These latest Tecra laptops can be equipped with either consumer-grade AMD Ryzen 200 series CPUs, like the Ryzen 7 250, or the business-grade AMD Ryzen Pro 200 series, which come with enhanced management and security features aimed at enterprises.

      Both models are compatible with Microsoft Windows Copilot due to the integrated NPU that offers up to 16 TOPS of AI processing power. Each laptop is equipped with 16 GB of DDR5 5600 RAM, which can be upgraded to 64 GB, alongside a 512 GB PCIe NVMe SSD for storage.

      Display and Connectivity

      The Tecra A45-M and A65-M feature 1,920 x 1,200 LCD screens that deliver a brightness level of 300 nits. They also come with stereo speakers enhanced by DTS audio processing, dual-array microphones, and a privacy-shutter webcam. Connectivity options include two USB 4.0 Type-C (Thunderbolt 4) ports, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, and an HDMI output. Additionally, these laptops are equipped with an Ethernet port, Wi-Fi 7 capabilities, a microSD card reader, and a 3.5 mm headphone jack.

      Durability and Battery Life

      The A45-M weighs in at 1.44 kg (3.17 lbs), while the A65-M starts at 1.69 kg (3.73 lbs). Both laptops are built to meet MIL-STD-810H standards for toughness and durability, and they come with a three-year warranty. Plus, the Tecra laptops are powered by 60 Wh batteries, ensuring they last through long working hours.

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    • iMac Alternative: Sixunited AXA33 with AMD Ryzen, 4K OLED, 128GB RAM

      iMac Alternative: Sixunited AXA33 with AMD Ryzen, 4K OLED, 128GB RAM

      Key Takeaways

      1. The Sixunited AXA33 features a powerful AMD Ryzen Strix Halo chipset and a sleek design, positioning it as a strong competitor to the Apple iMac.
      2. The top configuration includes the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 with 16 Zen 5 cores and an AMD Radeon 8060S integrated GPU, suitable for demanding gaming at high settings.
      3. Users can choose up to 128GB LPDDR5x RAM and dual M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSDs for enhanced performance and storage.
      4. The 27-inch display offers options for OLED or IPS panels with a 3840 x 2160 resolution and 60Hz refresh rate, housed in an aluminum body with a privacy shutter for the webcam.
      5. Connectivity features include a USB-C port with USB 4 support, five USB-A ports, HDMI 2.0, dual 2.5Gbps Ethernet ports, and an SD card reader, with pricing and availability yet to be announced.

      The Sixunited AXA33 could be a strong rival to the Apple iMac, which starts at $1,182 on Amazon. This product features a fast AMD Ryzen Strix Halo chipset in a sleek design. The specifics about the processors are not yet fully disclosed.

      High-Performance Setup

      The top configuration is expected to include the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395, which comes with 16 Zen 5 performance cores, alongside the very fast AMD Radeon 8060S integrated GPU. With a thermal design power (TDP) of 120 watts, this chipset should be powerful enough to handle demanding games like The Elder Scrolls IV Oblivion Remastered or Assassin’s Creed Shadows at 1080p with high graphics settings. In addition, Sixunited provides options for up to 128GB LPDDR5x RAM and two M.2 PCIe 4.0 solid-state drives.

      Impressive Display Features

      The 27-inch screen can be either an OLED or IPS panel, boasting a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels and a refresh rate of 60Hz, depending on the choice of configuration. The body and stand are crafted from aluminum, and there is a privacy shutter that can cover the 5MP webcam. This all-in-one computer is also equipped with one USB-C port supporting USB 4 (40Gbps), five USB-A ports, HDMI 2.0, two Ethernet ports with 2.5Gbps capabilities, and an SD card reader.

      As is typical for Sixunited, no specific pricing or availability information has been made public, since this competitor to the iMac will likely be marketed by OEMs under various brand names and product labels.

      iMac Alternative: Sixunited AXA33 with AMD Ryzen, 4K OLED, 128GB RAM

       

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    • Lenovo ThinkCentre Neo 55q Gen 6 with AMD Ryzen AI Launch

      Lenovo ThinkCentre Neo 55q Gen 6 with AMD Ryzen AI Launch

      Key Takeaways

      1. Compact Design: The Lenovo ThinkCentre neo 55q Gen 6 is lightweight (1.13 kg) and can be easily mounted behind monitors, making it suitable for small workspaces.

      2. Eco-Friendly Materials: The desktop includes 85% post-consumer recycled plastic in its bezel and is available in sustainable color options, Luna Grey and Eclipse Black.

      3. High Performance: Users can configure the device with up to an AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 64GB of DDR5 RAM, and a 2TB PCIe Gen SSD, supporting up to three 4K monitors.

      4. Software Features: It runs on Windows 11 Pro or Linux, includes Lenovo Vantage for system optimization, and offers ThinkShield security features for data protection.

      5. Affordability and Support: Starting at $499, the ThinkCentre neo 55q Gen 6 will ship in plastic-free packaging and comes with 24/7 access to Lenovo’s Premier Support Plus program.

      The Lenovo ThinkCentre neo 55q Gen 6 is one of three new AI desktop PCs that Lenovo has recently unveiled. It is alongside the ThinkCentre neo 55a Gen 6 All-in-One desktop and the ThinkCentre neo 55s Gen 6 mini desktop.

      Compact and Versatile Design

      With dimensions of 7.2 inches in length and a weight of approximately 1.13 kg (2.49 lbs), the ThinkCentre neo 55q Gen 6 is compact enough to be mounted directly behind a monitor, though not in the same way as the Acer Chromebox Mini CXM2. This design is ideal for users who have limited workspace. It can be positioned beneath your monitor or set up either vertically or horizontally next to it.

      Environmentally Friendly Features

      The device comes in Luna Grey and Eclipse Black color options and includes 85% post-consumer recycled plastic in its bezel. Additionally, it has rubber feet that help it stay in place when positioned horizontally.

      In terms of specifications, the ThinkCentre neo 55q Gen 6 is equipped with an AMD Ryzen processor featuring an integrated NPU (up to 50 TOPS). It’s worth noting that Lenovo also provides a Snapdragon X X1-26-100 version and an Intel Core 7 240H version of the ThinkCentre Neo 50q.

      Powerful Performance Options

      According to the spec sheet, users can configure this desktop with up to a Ryzen 5 AI 300 series processor, as much as 64GB of DDR5 RAM (5,600MHz, 2x SODIMM), and a maximum of 2TB PCIe Gen SSD. The device supports connections to up to three 4K monitors for effective multitasking.

      The front features include 1x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A port, 1x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C port, along with a microphone/headphone combo jack. At the back, you’ll find an RJ45 port that can reach speeds of 1 Gigabit, along with 1x USB 3.2 Gen2 port, 3x USB 2.0 ports, 1x HDMI 2.1 port with TDMS, and 1x Display Port. Furthermore, it supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 and comes with a 90W power supply. An additional COM, HDMI, VGA, DP, or LAN port can be added since the ThinkCentre neo 55q Gen 6 has an extra punch-out port.

      Software and Support

      The ThinkCentre neo 55q Gen 6 offers a choice between Windows 11 Pro or Linux. With Windows, users can enjoy Microsoft’s Copilot+ PC experience. Lenovo Vantage is also included to assist with monitoring system performance, optimizing software and hardware, scheduling updates, and customizing settings.

      Lenovo has integrated its ThinkShield security along with a fTPM or Discrete Trusted Platform Module (dTPM) 2.0 chip meant for password and data encryption. Moreover, Lenovo will provide its Premier Support Plus program, which gives users 24/7 access to expert technicians.

      The starting price for the ThinkCentre neo 55q Gen 6 is $499, but details on when it will be available for purchase are not yet provided. It will ship in plastic-free packaging and is expected to include a vertical stand, similar to its Snapdragon and Intel versions.

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    • MSI Claw A8: AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme Handheld Launches in Europe

      MSI Claw A8: AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme Handheld Launches in Europe

      Key Takeaways

      1. MSI launched its first gaming handheld, the Claw A8 BZ2EM, powered by AMD Ryzen, at Computex 2025, with a global release still pending.
      2. The Claw A8 is gradually expanding its availability, recently launching in Cambodia, Taiwan, and now Europe (Austria, Germany, Slovakia).
      3. The pricing for the Claw A8 is set at €975 and €978.90, making it cheaper than the Claw 8 AI+, which is priced at $999.
      4. The Claw A8 features an AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme chipset with eight Zen 5 CPU cores and a Radeon 890M iGPU, competing with the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V in performance.
      5. The Claw A8 includes an M.2 2280 SSD slot, which is not available in the 8-inch version, and comes with 24 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage.

      MSI has officially introduced its first gaming handheld powered by AMD Ryzen back in May at Computex 2025, prior to Asus showcasing its upcoming ROG Ally gadgets. Nevertheless, the firm has yet to announce when the Claw A8 BZ2EM or Claw 8 Ryzen Edition will be available globally. Instead, the company has been gradually expanding the device’s availability to new markets after its initial launch in China at the beginning of July.

      Recent Market Expansions

      To give some background, the Claw A8 made its debut in Cambodia and Taiwan just over a week ago. Now, it has arrived in Europe, starting with Austria, Germany, and Slovakia. Currently, neither Alza nor Smarty.sk have shared any information on when the Claw A8 will start shipping. However, customers can pre-order the new gaming handheld from both retailers, available in Neon Green and Polar Tempest color choices.

      Pricing Details

      In the meantime, the retailers have noted that the Claw A8 is priced a bit lower than the Claw 8 AI+ (currently $999 on Amazon), even though they share similar specifications. Specifically, Alza and Smarty.sk have set the price for MSI’s latest gaming device at €975 and €978.90, respectively, both including 24 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage.

      Key Features

      The primary difference between the Claw A8 and Claw 8 AI+ lies in its AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme chipset, which integrates eight Zen 5 CPU cores along with a Radeon 890M iGPU. Early tests suggest that the Ryzen Z2 Extreme performs comparably to the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V found in the Claw 8 AI+, though it underperforms at lower wattages. Additionally, the new MSI Claw offers an M.2 2280 SSD slot, which is absent in its 8-inch version. Here are the complete specifications for the Claw A8:

      In the meantime, the retailers have noted that the Claw A8 is priced a bit lower than the Claw 8 AI+ (currently $999 on Amazon), even though they share similar specifications. Specifically, Alza and Smarty.sk have set the price for MSI’s latest gaming device at €975 and €978.90, respectively, both including 24 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage.

      Distinctive Features

      The primary difference between the Claw A8 and Claw 8 AI+ lies in its AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme chipset, which integrates eight Zen 5 CPU cores along with a Radeon 890M iGPU. Early tests suggest that the Ryzen Z2 Extreme performs comparably to the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V found in the Claw 8 AI+, though it underperforms at lower wattages. Additionally, the new MSI Claw offers an M.2 2280 SSD slot, which is absent in its 8-inch version. Here are the complete specifications for the Claw A8:

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    • MSI Claw A2HM: New 7-Inch Gaming Handheld and Ryzen Z2 Rumors

      MSI Claw A2HM: New 7-Inch Gaming Handheld and Ryzen Z2 Rumors

      Key Takeaways

      1. MSI is rumored to be developing a gaming handheld with AMD Ryzen, despite previously favoring Intel chips.
      2. The unnamed Claw variant might be equipped with a Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme based on recent hints.
      3. MSI has not confirmed the switch to AMD APUs and is currently refreshing the existing Claw 8 AI+ model.
      4. The new Claw A2HM variant appears to be an update of the Claw 7, featuring a 7-inch display, but processor details remain unclear.
      5. MSI’s naming system is confusing, as the A2HM model number corresponds to both AMD and Intel processors used in different devices.

      Rumors have been floating around for quite some time about MSI potentially releasing a gaming handheld powered by AMD Ryzen, even though the company seems to prefer Intel chips. To summarize, an X account known for sharing info about AMD and MSI tweeted back in January that MSI was working on a Ryzen Z2 option. Recently, there have been hints that this unnamed Claw variant might actually come equipped with a Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme.

      MSI’s Current Focus

      MSI has yet to officially comment on the possibility of switching to AMD APUs for its gaming handhelds. Instead, the company is refreshing the existing Claw 8 AI+ with a new Polar Tempest Edition. A leaker known as @94G8LA has now found mentions of an unreleased Claw ‘A2HM’ variant on MSI’s spare parts websites.

      Details about A2HM

      Interestingly, the A2HM appears to be yet another update of the Claw 7 (currently priced at $519 on Amazon), instead of the more sought-after Claw 8. While it is clear that the A2HM features a 7-inch display, it’s still unclear which processor MSI has selected. According to VideoCardz, the absence of any AI+ branding implies that this processor might have a low-powered NPU or possibly none at all.

      Naming Confusion

      MSI’s naming system adds to the confusion. For example, the ‘A2HM’ model number is used to represent AMD Ryzen 200 and Intel Arrow Lake-H processors found in the Venture A17 and Summit 16, respectively. Interestingly, MSI submitted the Claw A2HM to the Japan Audio Society a couple of months ago to get Hi-Res Audio certification. Hence, it seems unlikely that the A2HM has been mistakenly added to MSI’s spare parts catalog. Sadly, there is still no information on when MSI will launch another Claw gaming handheld, nor if it will be available globally.

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      MSI Claw A2HM: New 7-Inch Gaming Handheld and Ryzen Z2 RumorsMSI Claw A2HM: New 7-Inch Gaming Handheld and Ryzen Z2 Rumors
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    • AMD FSR 4 Evidence Grows, AMD Zen 6 iGPU Stays with RDNA 3.5

      AMD FSR 4 Evidence Grows, AMD Zen 6 iGPU Stays with RDNA 3.5

      Key Takeaways

      1. RDNA 4 architecture is confirmed to be exclusive to desktop discrete GPUs, with no application in mobile discrete GPUs or Zen 6 iGPUs.
      2. Upcoming Ryzen APUs, including Medusa Halo and Medusa Point, will utilize the older RDNA 3.5 architecture instead of RDNA 4.
      3. The Medusa Halo iGPU is expected to offer a significant performance boost, potentially up to 50% over the Strix Point 8060S iGPU.
      4. Despite the limitations of the Zen 6 iGPUs, AMD’s FSR 4 technology may still be adapted for older hardware, including devices with RDNA 2.
      5. FSR 4 could become compatible with older devices like the Valve Steam Deck and the original AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme after optimizations.

      AMD previously mentioned that the RDNA 4 GPU architecture, which powers the impressive Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT GPUs, wouldn’t be applied to mobile discrete GPUs. However, it now appears that RDNA 4 will be limited to desktop discrete cards, with even the upcoming Zen 6 iGPUs not receiving an upgrade to RDNA 4.

      RDNA 4 Confirmed for Desktop Only

      A recent update to AMD’s GPUOpen driver code on GitHub, brought to light by @Kepler_L2 on X, reveals that RDNA 4 is marked as “dGPU only.” This effectively reinforces earlier speculations that RDNA 4 will not be included in future iGPUs for the Zen 6 Medusa Halo or Medusa Point APUs. Instead, it appears that these forthcoming Ryzen APUs will utilize RDNA 3.5, as previously reported. Even with this reliance on what may seem outdated hardware, rumors suggest that the Medusa Halo iGPU could deliver up to a 50% performance improvement over the Strix Point 8060S iGPU found in the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 APU, which is already a powerful iGPU.

      Impact on Gaming Experience

      While this news might be disheartening by itself, it has broader implications for gamers using current or future AMD iGPUs. The Zen 6 iGPUs sticking to an older GPU architecture adds to the growing evidence that, despite AMD’s statements, it will eventually port its new FSR 4 technology. A recent interview by Digital Foundry with Eurogamer suggested that some version of FSR 4 could run on the PS5 Pro, which is built on RDNA 2 hardware. This implies that FSR 4 could also be compatible with standard consumer-grade PCs that support RDNA 2 and earlier.

      Possible Compatibility with Older Devices

      This means that, after some optimizations, FSR 4 might be adapted for devices as old as the Valve Steam Deck and the original AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme, which can be found in products like the Asus ROG Ally X (currently priced at $799.99 at Best Buy).

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