Tag: AMD Strix Halo

  • HP Z2 Mini G1a: High US Prices for AMD Ryzen AI Max Variants

    HP Z2 Mini G1a: High US Prices for AMD Ryzen AI Max Variants

    Key Takeaways

    1. HP introduced the ZBook Ultra 14 G1 and Z2 Mini G1a at CES 2025, with the Z2 Mini G1a recently becoming available in the UK and Eurozone.
    2. The Z2 Mini G1a offers options for Ryzen AI Max Pro 390 and Ryzen AI Max+ Pro 395 APUs, featuring a wider selection of Strix Halo APUs compared to competitors.
    3. In the US, all SKUs of the Z2 Mini G1a are currently out of stock, with plans for higher pricing compared to other regions.
    4. HP does not have a pre-order period for the Z2 Mini G1a, and it will ship within regular lead times when available.
    5. A UK-specific discount is available for the Z2 Mini G1a, and further technical details can be found in the original launch article.

    It has been several months since HP first showed off its AMD Strix Halo-based devices. To summarize, the firm revealed the ZBook Ultra 14 G1 and Z2 Mini G1a at CES 2025 in January. The ZBook Ultra has been on the market for a while now, but HP has been pretty silent regarding the Z2 Mini G1a.

    Launch and Availability

    Reappearing at Computex 2025 in May, HP has quietly begun to sell the mini-PC in the UK. The same situation applies in the Eurozone, where HP provides the Z2 Mini G1a with options between Ryzen AI Max Pro 390 and Ryzen AI Max+ Pro 395 APUs. Currently, HP is offering the Z2 Mini G1a with a wider selection of Strix Halo APUs compared to GMKtec’s EVO-X2, which is priced at $1,499.99 on Amazon.

    Stock and Pricing Information

    In the US, HP lists all SKUs as out of stock. However, the company’s website indicates that the Z2 Mini G1a will be priced considerably higher in the US than in other regions. It seems that HP plans to ship the Z2 Mini G1a within its regular lead times wherever it is available for order. Therefore, there is no pre-order period that potential buyers need to keep an eye on. For reference, we have included a complete list of launch pricing below, factoring in a UK-specific 10% discount with coupon code 10AI. For further technical information about HP’s first Strix Halo-based mini-PC, please refer to our original launch article.

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    HP Z2 Mini G1a: High US Prices for AMD Ryzen AI Max Variants
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  • GMKtec Launches EVO-X2 with AMD Strix Halo and 128GB RAM

    GMKtec Launches EVO-X2 with AMD Strix Halo and 128GB RAM

    Key Takeaways

    1. GMKtec’s mini-PC, the EVO-X2, powered by AMD’s Strix Halo, will be available on May 20 for $1,399.
    2. The EVO-X2 features 64 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage, with an option to double the RAM for an additional $400.
    3. The device is equipped with AMD’s Ryzen AI Max+ 395 APU, offering 16 Zen 5 CPU cores and a Radeon RX 8060S integrated GPU.
    4. Connectivity options include four video outputs, 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, five USB Type-A ports, Bluetooth 5.4, and Wi-Fi 7.
    5. The EVO-X2 lacks OCuLink support for external graphics cards but provides dual PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots and eight SO-DIMM slots for RAM expansion.

    GMKtec has begun offering its first mini-PC powered by AMD’s Strix Halo on Amazon. In recent months, various companies have expressed plans to launch desktops utilizing Strix Halo technology. For instance, the Framework Desktop was introduced in February, priced at $1,999, but won’t start shipping until the third quarter of 2025.

    Release Date and Pricing

    On the other hand, GMKtec has announced that the EVO-X2 will be available to consumers starting on May 20. The mini-PC is currently priced at $1,399, featuring 64 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage, after GMKtec began accepting pre-orders on its online store earlier this month. If you need more memory, GMKtec offers an option with double the RAM for an additional $400.

    Specifications Overview

    To summarize, the EVO-X2 is equipped with AMD’s Ryzen AI Max+ 395 APU, which includes 16 Zen 5 CPU cores and a Radeon RX 8060S integrated GPU boasting 40 Compute Units (CUs) that utilize the RDNA 3+ architecture. Based on our experience with the recent ROG Flow Z13, the Radeon RX 8060S performs similarly to Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 4070 laptop GPU in both synthetic and gaming tests.

    Connectivity Features

    Consequently, GMKtec has not provided OCuLink support for connecting an external graphics card. Instead, the EVO-X2 features four video outputs, 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, and five USB Type-A ports. Additionally, the EVO-X2 includes Bluetooth 5.4 and Wi-Fi 7 capabilities, along with dual PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280 slots and eight SO-DIMM slots for LPDDR5X-8000 RAM. For further technical specifications, please check GMKtec’s website.

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    GMKtec Launches EVO-X2 with AMD Strix Halo and 128GB RAMGMKtec Launches EVO-X2 with AMD Strix Halo and 128GB RAM

     

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  • AMD CEO Confirms Strix Halo Coming Soon to Desktops

    AMD CEO Confirms Strix Halo Coming Soon to Desktops

    Key Takeaways

    1. AMD Strix Halo is being integrated into mini PCs from various brands, including Framework, Minisforum, GMKTec, and Sixunited.
    2. AMD CEO Dr. Lisa Su confirmed plans to bring Strix Halo to desktop systems, indicating a broader vision for the technology.
    3. The compact design of Strix Halo makes it well-suited for mini PCs, allowing it to fit into diverse cases.
    4. Strix Halo components are currently found in only a few laptops, specifically the Asus ROG Flow Z13 and HP ZBook Ultra 14 G1a.
    5. Strix Halo is a powerful component that can outperform Intel products and compete with Apple Silicon in certain tasks.

    AMD Strix Halo has already found its way into several mini PCs from brands like Framework, Minisforum, GMKTec, and Sixunited. There’s also one from HP, but it hasn’t been listed anywhere yet. Recently, the General Manager of Asus China had the chance to chat with AMD CEO Dr. Lisa Su, where they touched on Strix Halo.

    AMD’s Future Plans

    At about the 5:40 mark during the interview, when Dr. Su was asked whether AMD intends to bring Strix Halo to desktop systems, she confirmed, “Yes.” This indicates that AMD has a bigger vision for Strix Halo, aiming to provide it across various form factors. It’s expected that mini PCs will be its main application since the motherboard is quite compact, which enables it to fit into a variety of cases.

    Desktop and Laptop Availability

    The idea of Strix Halo making its way into more desktops is indeed exciting, yet it has been missing from laptops. Currently, the only devices utilizing Strix Halo components are the Asus ROG Flow Z13 and the HP ZBook Ultra 14 G1a. It remains a laptop-worthy component that can easily outperform anything Intel has, and even compete with Apple Silicon in certain tasks.

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  • Strix Halo Mini PC Review: Radeon 8060S iGPU Delivers Strong Gaming

    Strix Halo Mini PC Review: Radeon 8060S iGPU Delivers Strong Gaming

    Key Takeaways

    1. AMD’s Strix Halo series was revealed at CES 2025, but devices are not yet available to the public.
    2. The Ryzen AI Max+ 395 APU features the Radeon 8060S integrated GPU, offering strong gaming performance with 40 compute units.
    3. Initial gaming tests show impressive FPS results at 1440p, including Cyberpunk 2077 (58 FPS on Ultra) and GTA 5 Enhanced Edition (over 90 FPS on Very High).
    4. Additional games tested include Marvel Rivals (65 FPS on High) and Spider-Man 2 (90 FPS on High with FSR), indicating strong performance across various titles.
    5. Upcoming mini PCs with Strix Halo APUs, such as the HP Zbook Mini PC and models from GMKtec and Framework, are expected to be great gaming options.

    While AMD has revealed the Strix Halo series at CES 2025, devices with the new Zen 5 APUs aren’t available to the public yet. However, ETA Prime has gotten their hands on a prototype equipped with the Ryzen AI Max+ 395, which is the highest-end model in the series.

    Promising Gaming Performance

    The initial tests by the YouTuber highlight impressive gaming capabilities, thanks to the Radeon 8060S integrated GPU. To give you some context, this GPU has 40 compute units (CUs), whereas the Radeon 890M, the leading iGPU from the Strix Point series, has just 16 CUs. Therefore, the Ryzen AI Max+ 395 is an excellent choice for gaming systems that do not use dedicated graphics cards.

    Early Insights on Mini PC Performance

    Regarding the Strix Point APU’s performance in a mini PC, ETA Prime provided a sneak peek. While the YouTuber did not mention the specific brand of the system, they did test several games on it. The first game they ran was Cyberpunk 2077, which performed at 1440p on Ultra settings, averaging about 58 FPS. When switched to High settings, the FPS exceeded 60.

    The next game tested was Marvel Rivals at 1440p on High settings, yielding an average of around 65 FPS. The newly released GTA 5 Enhanced Edition was also tried on this Strix Halo mini PC, and the Radeon 8060S managed to deliver over 90 FPS in most cases at 1440p on Very High settings.

    Additional Game Tests

    Another game included in the tests was Spider-Man 2, played at 1440p on High settings with FSR set to Quality. This prototype mini PC achieved an average of about 90 FPS. Among other significant titles tested was God of War Ragnarök, where at 1440p on High settings without FSR, the Ryzen AI Max+ 395 mini PC managed over 70 FPS.

    These evaluations suggest that mini PCs featuring the Strix Halo APUs will be excellent options for gaming, particularly those with the Radeon 8060S iGPU. A few models are anticipated to launch soon, including the HP Zbook Mini PC, a model from GMKtec, and a compact desktop from Framework. Watch the video linked below to discover more about this early testing phase.

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  • Asus ROG Flow Z13: AMD Strix Halo 2-in-1 Release and Pricing Info

    Asus ROG Flow Z13: AMD Strix Halo 2-in-1 Release and Pricing Info

    Key Takeaways

    1. The AMD Strix Halo APUs, including Ryzen AI Max 390 and Ryzen AI Max+ 395, are expected to be released soon, with initial reviews on February 18.
    2. Asus will hold a launch event for the ROG Flow Z13 (2025) on February 25 in China.
    3. The highest-priced ROG Flow Z13 (2025) model will cost $2,699.99, featuring Ryzen AI Max+ 395 APU, 128 GB LPDDR5X RAM, and a 1 TB SSD.
    4. This model is $500 more expensive than the earlier price mentioned at CES 2025.
    5. AMD has reportedly restricted independent benchmark tests for the new APUs.

    It appears that the release of the AMD Strix Halo APUs is just around the corner. Although the Ryzen AI Max 390 and Ryzen AI Max+ 395 were highlighted at CES 2025, many reviewers claim that AMD has prohibited the sharing of independent benchmark tests.

    Upcoming Reviews and Launch Dates

    As reported by @9550pro, the initial reviews for Strix Halo are expected to be available on February 18. The actual launch of Strix Halo devices is likely to occur shortly after that. A recent post from Republic of Gamers (ROG) on Weibo indicates that Asus will hold a launch event for the ROG Flow Z13 (2025) in China on February 25 at 11:00 UTC (19:00 CST). This will replace the previous model that was powered by Raptor Lake and Nvidia Ada Lovelace, currently selling for $1,749.99 on Amazon.

    Pricing and Specifications

    Sadly, Asus has yet to reveal any additional information. However, the company has confirmed the details of all launch SKUs, with the most expensive option priced at $2,699.99. This model features AMD’s Ryzen AI Max+ 395 APU, 128 GB LPDDR5X RAM, and a 1 TB M.2 2230 SSD. To put it another way, the top-of-the-line ROG Flow Z13 (2025) will be $500 more than what Asus initially stated during CES 2025. For further hardware specifics, check out our ROG Flow Z13 (2025) launch article.

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    Asus ROG Flow Z13: AMD Strix Halo 2-in-1 Release and Pricing InfoAsus ROG Flow Z13: AMD Strix Halo 2-in-1 Release and Pricing Info
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  • Asus Mini PC with AMD Strix Halo Spotted Online

    Asus Mini PC with AMD Strix Halo Spotted Online

    In a recent conversation with AMD’s Ben Conrad, we learned that Strix Halo chips may soon be used in more devices besides just laptops and tablets. A leaker known as @Olrak29_ has discovered an Asus mini PC equipped with a robust Strix Halo chip.

    Specifications Revealed

    The mini PC, codenamed NUC14LNS, is set to be revealed soon and boasts the powerful AMD Ryzen AI Max Plus 395 Strix Halo chip, along with a Radeon 8060s integrated GPU. Interestingly, Asus has a similar product with the same codename, called NUC 14 Pro AI+, but this version comes with an Intel Lunar Lake chip (Core Ultra 9 288V). It is worth noting that the final version might not carry the NUC name, as it is based on Intel’s intellectual property.

    Production Timeline

    The shipment dates back to last year, suggesting that Asus has been developing this product for some time. It may be released shortly, as the shipping manifest indicates it was sent to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for evaluation. Regardless, Asus chose not to present it at CES, which might imply that it is not quite ready for mass production yet.

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  • AMD Strix Halo APU Beats RTX 4060 Laptop GPU in Benchmark

    AMD Strix Halo APU Beats RTX 4060 Laptop GPU in Benchmark

    AMD enthusiasts are on the edge of their seats, eager to discover what the Red Camp has planned for its forthcoming “Strix Halo” series of high-end APUs. It’s already known that the Strix Halo family will feature only Zen 5 cores, avoiding the Zen 5/Zen 5c mixed approach seen in its Strix Point counterpart.

    Powerful Integrated Graphics

    Even more intriguing is the fact that the Strix Halo series will come with incredibly strong iGPUs, including the Radeon 8060S iGPU. This will be included in the top-tier Strix Halo APU, boasting performance comparable to mid-range standalone GPUs like the RTX 4060, as previously indicated by a Geekbench Vulkan leak. Recently, another benchmark listing has surfaced that supports this information.

    Thanks to @all_the_watts, an alleged score from the 3D Mark Time Spy benchmark for the 8060S iGPU has been leaked. The report states that the Radeon 8060S iGPU achieved a score of 12,516 in the test, putting it on par with the RTX 4060 Ti Laptop, and significantly ahead of the RTX 4060 Laptop.

    Competition Ahead

    While this performance is undoubtedly impressive, it’s important to remember that the RTX 50 “Blackwell” GPUs are also on the horizon. Additionally, Nvidia’s current and upcoming GPUs are expected to provide much stronger ray-tracing capabilities. Considering all of this, it will be fascinating to see how AMD markets its Strix Halo products. For now, it’s confirmed that the Asus ROG Flow Z13 tablet will feature the new APUs, making it a strong contender.

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    AMD Strix Halo APU Beats RTX 4060 Laptop GPU in Benchmark
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  • AMD Strix Halo iGPU Naming Scheme Leaked: What to Expect

    AMD Strix Halo iGPU Naming Scheme Leaked: What to Expect

    The AMD Strix Halo series isn’t officially announced by the company yet, but people are eagerly waiting for its reveal at the CES 2025 event. Recently, a chipset driver hinted that the new APUs will carry the Ryzen AI Max 300 name, and now a fresh leak has revealed potential names for the upcoming iGPUs.

    Details from the Leak

    This information comes from a reputable Chinese leaker known as Golden Pig Upgrade. According to this source, the new RDNA 3.5 iGPUs in the Strix Point series will fall under the Radeon 8000S branding. The highest-end model is believed to be the Radeon 8060S, which is rumored to have 40 Compute Units (CUs).

    To put this in context, the Radeon 890M within the Strix Point series includes 16 CUs, and based on our testing, it provides up to an 18% performance boost compared to the Radeon 780M in gaming scenarios. With the expected 40 CUs for the Radeon 8060S, its performance increase could be even greater.

    Mid-range Options

    The mid-tier iGPU in this lineup is expected to be called the Radeon 8050S, featuring 32 CUs, which is again an improvement over the Radeon 890M. Notably, the leak mentions that there will be one iGPU equipped with 16 CUs, but its specific name hasn’t been revealed yet.

    In addition to the naming of the iGPUs, the leak also gives insight into the APUs that will debut in the Strix Halo series. Golden Pig Upgrade indicates that there will be four models, with the entry-level version having six Zen 5 cores, while the top variant is rumored to include 16 Zen 5 cores (the 12-core Ryzen 9 9900X currently priced at $382.55 on Amazon). More detailed specifications can be seen in the attached image below.

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  • Strix Halo Gaming Laptops: Specs, Performance, and Release Info

    Strix Halo Gaming Laptops: Specs, Performance, and Release Info

    AMD’s Strix Halo and Ryzen AI Max 300 APUs are projected to launch at CES 2025, presenting three unique products.

    Powerhouse Specifications

    These new APUs are anticipated to include up to 16 Zen 5 cores and a robust RDNA 3.5 iGPU that competes with dedicated laptop GPUs. According to a recent leak from Moore’s Law Is Dead, the Strix Halo APUs will be introduced under the “Ryzen AI Max Pro” label. The leaker has also verified the specifications, iGPU performance, and the timeline for the Strix Halo machines.

    Key Features

    Focusing on the key specifications, MLID has confirmed that the leading Strix Halo APU, likely to be named Ryzen AI Max+ 395, will have 16 Zen 5 cores, a 40 CU RDNA 3.5 iGPU, and a TDP of 120 W. Furthermore, the Strix Halo APUs are said to support LPDDR5X 8533 MT/s memory, with a maximum memory capacity of 128 GB.

    The 128 GB memory option is primarily intended for workstation use. Systems with this memory capacity are expected to launch in Q2 2025, while models featuring 32 and 64 GB are anticipated for a Q1 2025 release.

    Launch Timeline

    Regarding the launch timeline, MLID suggests that after their reveal at CES, workstations with the Ryzen AI Max APUs will arrive in Q1, followed by gaming laptops in Q2 2025. The leaker adds that should these new APUs gain popularity, we might see Strix Halo small form factor Mini PCs in the future.

    While the 16-core Zen 5 CPU plays a significant role in the Strix Halo design, the new RDNA 3.5 iGPU is clearly the highlight. MLID reaffirms the claim from June 2024 that the iGPU performance matches that of RTX 4070 laptop GPUs, indicating that the flagship Strix Halo “at minimum trades blows” with the RTX 4070 laptop GPU.

    If the Strix Halo iGPU indeed performs similarly to the RTX 4070 laptop, it would represent a remarkable leap from the current AMD leader, the Radeon 890M, and would place the company well ahead of the Intel Arc 140V. However, it is important to note that we cannot directly compare these iGPUs as the Strix Halo will likely consume more power.

    Moore’s Law Is Dead on YouTube

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