Tag: amd

  • AMD Strix Halo CPU Launches on Geekbench with RTX 4060 Performance

    AMD Strix Halo CPU Launches on Geekbench with RTX 4060 Performance

    If the latest buzz is true, AMD plans to unveil its all-Zen 5 core Strix Halo series of laptop processors during CES 2025. Earlier information hinted that these chips would carry the Ryzen AI Max label to set them apart from standard Strix Point CPUs. A fresh listing on Geekbench has seemingly confirmed this, revealing essential specifications for a new Strix Halo model. Previously, we witnessed the near-flagship Ryzen AI Max 390 in action. Now, we’re getting a glimpse of its top-tier sibling.

    Strix Halo CPU Details

    The 16-core Strix Halo CPU has appeared on the benchmarking site, identified as the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ Pro 395. The inclusion of ‘Pro’ indicates that this version is likely targeted at business devices. However, whether a standard version will also be released is still uncertain. It’s clear this is not a final production unit, as suggested by its boost clock of 4.4 GHz. The listing indicates that this was part of an AMD testing setup rather than a laptop ready for consumers.

    Performance Insights

    On the Geekbench platform, the Ryzen AI Max+ Pro 395’s 40 CU Radeon 8060S (or whatever it was previously called) GPU performs well in the Vulkan benchmark, achieving a score of 67,004. This places it between the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 (63,264) and RTX 4070 (73,707), aligning with prior expectations. With future firmware and driver updates, we can anticipate that its performance might edge closer to the RTX 4070. However, it likely won’t excel in gaming, as it appears to be designed primarily for enterprise-focused tasks.

    Conclusion

    In summary, the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ Pro 395 seems to be shaping up as a powerful addition to the Strix Halo lineup, though its gaming capabilities may not be its strong suit. As CES 2025 approaches, more details regarding this CPU and its potential variants will likely emerge, providing further insight into AMD’s strategy in the laptop market.


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  • Strix Halo APU Specs Leak: 8x Zen 5 Cores & 25% iGPU Boost

    Strix Halo APU Specs Leak: 8x Zen 5 Cores & 25% iGPU Boost

    We shared news back in May that AMD has lined up at least four different Strix Halo models.

    This information was brought to us by the well-known leaker Moore’s Law Is Dead, who has now reinforced his earlier claims about the Strix Halo Low-Power (LP) while disclosing additional insights.

    Specifications of Strix Halo LP

    The Strix Halo LP is said to include 8 Zen 5 cores along with a 20 CU RDNA 3.5 integrated GPU. According to MLID, this APU might have a bus width of 128 bits, which could provide the iGPU with an impressive total bandwidth of 135 GB/s, as stated in previous leaks.

    Furthermore, MLID’s source has also indicated that the Radeon 8000S Strix Halo LP iGPU will come with 16 MB of Infinity Cache. Although this isn’t as large as what entry-level desktop graphics cards like the RX 7600 XT offer, it will still give the Strix Halo LP a bit of extra space to work with, considering the APU’s relatively low bandwidth of just 135 GB/s.

    Performance Expectations

    According to MLID, the iGPU of the Strix Halo LP is expected to match the performance of the RTX 3050 Max-Q. This APU is designed “to directly compete with (more power hungry) RTX 3050 W Max-Q + i7 laptops.” With Intel having moved away from using the “Core i” branding, we can now think of the Core i7 as being equivalent to the Core Ultra 7.

    In our records, the RTX 3050 Max-Q achieves an average score of 4,448 points in 3DMark Time Spy Graphics. This makes it 26% faster than the average score of the Radeon 890M. Thus, if the iGPU in Strix Halo LP provides RTX 3050-like performance, we can anticipate that even the least powerful Strix Halo APU will be a staggering 26% quicker than the Radeon 890M.

    Future Developments

    Lastly, MLID’s source mentioned that while AMD could introduce Strix Halo SKUs that consume even less power than Halo LP’s 105 W, the current strategy is to keep Strix Point focused on the 15-54 W range.

    On a bright note, CES 2025 is just around the corner, and AMD appears to have an exciting lineup planned, potentially featuring the reveal of Strix Halo APUs. We won’t have to wait long to see if the Strix Halo LP is indeed real and how it compares with Team Red’s latest products.


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  • AMD RDNA 4 Release Date Leak: January Launch for RX 8000 GPU

    AMD RDNA 4 Release Date Leak: January Launch for RX 8000 GPU

    AMD’s CEO, Dr. Lisa Su, has announced that the company plans to unveil the “first” of its next-generation RDNA 4 GPUs “in early 2025.” The details are somewhat unclear, with no specific announcement or release date provided for the RDNA 4 GPUs. However, leaks from Chinese forums suggest that AMD aims to showcase several products during CES 2025, including the RX 8000 RDNA 4 graphics cards.

    Confirmations and Speculations

    Adding to the previous information, known leaker Moore’s Law Is Dead has confirmed that an announcement for RDNA 4 is indeed on the horizon, along with a potential release for at least one of the RX 8000 series GPUs. According to MLID, AMD is set to fully unveil RDNA 4 during CES 2025, and at least one RX 8000 series GPU is expected to be made available for purchase before January 2025 ends. While MLID does not disclose further specifics about which RX 8000 model will launch in January, we can make some educated guesses.

    Possible Releases and Competition

    Initially, AMD might introduce the RX 8800 XT, or whatever the top RDNA 4 Navi 48 card is named, before progressing to lower-tier models. This approach mirrors the release strategy seen with the RDNA 3-based RX 7900 XTX and RX 7900 XT cards in December 2022. Following this, mid-range and entry-level GPUs such as the RX 7800 XT and RX 7600 will likely be released later. Additionally, Nvidia is anticipated to announce the RTX 5090, RTX 5080, and, potentially, the RTX 5070 Ti at CES. The lower and entry-level cards like the RTX 5070 and RTX 5060 are not expected in the near future, which might prompt AMD to hold off on revealing their Navi 44-based models until Team Green shows their cheaper options.

    Focus on Mid-Range Segments

    It’s important for gamers to note that this time, AMD isn’t directly competing with Nvidia’s high-end flagship models like the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080. Instead, Team Red is concentrating on the entry-level and mid-range markets. Therefore, RDNA 4 GPUs such as the RX 8800 XT are unlikely to outperform the upper end of the RTX 50 series. Nevertheless, the RDNA 4 cards are expected to deliver solid performance. According to leaks, the rasterization capabilities of the Navi 48 GPU found in the RX 8800 XT are positioned between the RX 7900 XT and RX 7900 XTX. The less capable Navi 44 is said to fall somewhere between the RX 7600 XT and RX 7800 XT (Available on Amazon).

    Expectations for Ray Tracing

    As for ray tracing performance, RDNA 4 is anticipated to be a significant improvement over RDNA 3, with rumors suggesting that RDNA 4 features a “completely different” ray tracing architecture compared to its predecessor.

    Ultimately, if the RDNA 4 cards deliver impressive performance and come at a reasonable price, they could be well-received by the gaming community. Fortunately, we won’t have to rely solely on speculation regarding the RX 8000 and RTX 50 GPUs, as CES is just a little over a month away. Until then, it’s wise to approach any leaks with a bit of skepticism.

    Source: Link,Link


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  • Xiaomi and AMD Set to Join Smartphone SoC Market Soon

    Xiaomi and AMD Set to Join Smartphone SoC Market Soon

    Competition in the smartphone market is expected to heat up significantly in 2025 and 2026. Established players like Qualcomm, MediaTek, Apple, and Samsung will now face two fresh competitors: AMD and Xiaomi. While Xiaomi has experience with smartphone SoCs, AMD’s entry is something to watch closely.

    AMD’s Strategy

    According to a report from UDN, AMD plans to stick to its original strategy in the smartphone chipset sector. The company aims to challenge competitors like MediaTek and Qualcomm by delivering similar performance at lower prices. However, achieving this is not as simple as it sounds, as AMD’s initial products are likely to face some early problems. Currently, the only information we have about AMD’s chip is related to Sound Wave, which suggests it might be part of the Arm ecosystem. However, it’s possible this could be a Windows-on-Arm chip instead of one for Android.

    Xiaomi’s Ambitions

    In contrast, Xiaomi is set to produce chips mainly for its own smartphones, including potential models from Redmi and Poco. The company’s first 3 nm chip has already been taped out and is on track for mass production by early 2025. It remains uncertain if this chip will power a flagship device. Historically, Xiaomi has often been among the first manufacturers to utilize new Qualcomm technology, and it’s likely this trend will continue until their own chips become more developed.

    Source: Link

  • Sony Developing Handheld Console for Native PS5 Game Play

    Sony Developing Handheld Console for Native PS5 Game Play

    A previous speculation suggested that Sony was closely monitoring the handheld console scene after the Steam Deck achieved great success. Although Sony did release the PlayStation Portal, it’s not really a direct rival to the many Windows-based consoles available today. Now, a report from Bloomberg reinforces the idea of Sony possibly re-entering the handheld gaming market.

    Sony’s Future Plans

    Sony’s concept “builds on” the PS Portal and aims to allow players to enjoy PlayStation 5 games while traveling. Of course, this project is still in the initial phases of development, so it likely won’t be available for some time. Creating a handheld device that can deliver PS5-level graphics will require significant advancements in technology that simply aren’t ready yet.

    Technical Challenges Ahead

    To begin with, high-bandwidth memory will be necessary to supply the GPU with data efficiently. This might be somewhat addressed with LPDDR6 modules. Then there’s the challenge of finding a CPU and GPU combination that can produce PS5-quality graphics without excessive power consumption. A Zen 4/Zen 5 along with a UDNA chip could potentially make this happen, but that won’t be anytime soon.

    Additionally, for Sony and AMD to succeed, they will need access to TSMC’s advanced manufacturing processes. Traditionally, AMD has lagged by one node, so if that trend continues, they might not have access to TSMC N2 until 2026, which could set the stage for a 2027 launch. All these elements, along with AI image upscaling techniques like PSSR, should make the concept feasible, at least in theory.

    Developer Support Challenges

    However, there’s also the hurdle of developer backing. Game studios will have to release toned-down versions of their titles to function on the PlayStation handheld, complicating the entire process. Ideally, Sony would benefit from positioning this device as a companion to the PlayStation 6. This separation actually makes sense, as it provides two distinct ways for users to engage with the same games.

    An earlier statement from Phil Spencer of Xbox indicated that Microsoft is also developing a handheld console that is “a few years away.” There’s a strong possibility that both devices could launch within weeks of each other, escalating the competition in the console market. Plus, we can’t forget about the Steam Deck 2, which has been said to not be launching soon, but Valve could disrupt Sony and Microsoft’s plans with its next-generation handheld.

    Source: Link

  • AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D and 9900X3D 3D V-cache Rumors Debunked

    AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D and 9900X3D 3D V-cache Rumors Debunked

    Multiple speculations have focused on a CES 2025 launch for AMD’s Ryzen 9 9950X3D and Ryzen 9 9900X3D, which would complete the introduction of high-end Zen 5 desktop processors. Earlier, there was a suggestion that both models would feature a 3D V-cache tile on each CCD. However, it appears this may not be true.

    Cache Details

    Well-known leaker @AnhPhuH has mentioned that the Ryzen 9 9950X3D and Ryzen 9 9900X3D will inherit the same L3 cache as seen in the previous generation (Ryzen 7000) models. While it’s a letdown that there won’t be additional cache, these CPUs will likely have a reversed cache tile layout. This design should enable you to overclock your CPU effectively. Typically, Ryzen 9 models are more amenable to overclocking than Ryzen 7 ones, and this should hopefully also apply to the X3D versions.

    Release Timeline

    The leaker further states that both CPUs are expected to be available by the end of January 2025. In the past, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D outperformed the Ryzen 9 series, leading to questions about whether AMD has made changes to ensure better performance with the Ryzen 9 9950X3D and Ryzen 9 9900X3D. Only time will give us the answers. On a different note, Intel’s not-so-great Arrow Lake-S launch means that AMD is really just competing with itself this time around.

    Source: Link

  • AMD Threadripper 9000 Series: 16-96 Cores at 350W TDP

    AMD Threadripper 9000 Series: 16-96 Cores at 350W TDP

    A recent leak of a shipping manifest has shed light on AMD’s upcoming Threadripper 9000 series processors, codenamed Shimada Peak. Among the revelations is the unexpected introduction of a 16-core version, which will join the previously disclosed 96-core flagship model. The documents suggest that this new high-performance desktop lineup will keep the same power consumption levels as the previous generation, even as AMD has been shifting towards more power-efficient designs in its mainstream desktop offerings.

    Confirmed Specs and Performance

    The Threadripper 9000 series, which is anticipated to incorporate Zen 5 architecture, looks ready to keep AMD at the forefront of the high-performance CPU market. Notably, the leaked manifest confirms a flagship processor boasting 96 cores and 192 threads, likely to be named the Threadripper 9980X. This model is set to have a thermal design power (TDP) of 350 watts, identical to that of its predecessor, the Threadripper 7980X. Even with the higher core count, it appears that AMD is prioritizing performance over power efficiency by maintaining this TDP, particularly in contrast to the lower TDPs observed in the Ryzen 9000 series chips.

    The 16-Core Model

    Remarkably, the manifest also refers to a 16-core processor with a TDP of 350 watts. While this might seem excessive for a chip with fewer cores, it aligns with the previous Threadripper 7000 series, all of which operated under the same thermal design. This 16-core model likely won’t be included in the standard Threadripper lineup since AMD’s Threadripper 7000 series kicked off with a 24-core variant and the last 16-core version dates back to the 2000 series in 2018. It’s probable that this 16-core option will be a PRO model, following the trend of earlier Threadripper PRO series, which also offered a 16-core choice.

    Clock Speeds and Expectations

    Details regarding clock speeds are still unclear, but AMD’s Zen 5 architecture should deliver faster frequencies compared to Zen 4. The Ryzen 9 9950X, for instance, can boost up to 5.7 GHz. The Threadripper 7000 series already reaches speeds of up to 5.3 GHz, so a slight increase can be expected. However, significant improvements in clock speeds might be limited due to thermal and architectural restrictions.

    Another fascinating aspect of the leaks is the absence of any reference to a model exceeding 96 cores. This could imply that the Threadripper 9000 series won’t feature Zen 5c-based processors. These cores, made for cloud servers, focus on increasing core counts rather than enhancing per-core performance. Their exclusion from the Threadripper lineup is consistent with earlier patterns, as Zen 4c cores were also missing from the Threadripper 7000 series.

    Anticipated Launch

    The Threadripper 9000 series is expected to hit the market soon, solidifying AMD’s leadership in the high-end desktop (HEDT) segment and equipping power users with tools necessary for intensive tasks like 3D rendering, video editing, and scientific simulations. With Shimada Peak setting new standards, the HEDT arena is about to become significantly more competitive.

    Source: Link,Link

  • Ryzen 7 9800X3D Demand Surges Amid Supply Shortages and Tariffs

    Ryzen 7 9800X3D Demand Surges Amid Supply Shortages and Tariffs

    AMD’s new Ryzen 7 9800X3D has been met with a very positive response from reviewers, with one calling its performance “a big slap in the face for the new Intel processors.” This praise from the media has been echoed by consumers who are reportedly purchasing the Ryzen 7 9800X3D in large numbers.

    High Demand and Quick Sales

    For instance, when we first began writing about the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, it was available on Amazon, but it sold out in less than thirty minutes. Currently, the CPU can again be found on Amazon, but it is likely to run out of stock rapidly once more.

    The impressive sales of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D has led some to suggest that it might be a “paper launch,” implying that there isn’t much real stock available. However, claims from Moore’s Law Is Dead suggest that the Ryzen 7 9800X3D had a genuine launch with a good supply of stock.

    Retailer Insights

    An unnamed source from MLID, who claims to be associated with a “Major US Retailer,” stated that the retailer “can’t keep up” with the demand for the Ryzen 7 9800X3D. The level of interest has been so intense that even after “TON of supply at launch” and continuous restocks, the retailer struggled to meet all incoming orders.

    Other sources from MLID in retail echoed this view, with one noting that the Ryzen 7 9800X3D is “flying off the shelves,” while another mentioned that their considerable stock “wasn’t remotely enough” to satisfy customers.

    Panic Buying Concerns

    One source from MLID identified as a “Major Distributor” cautioned that “many US companies are panic buying more supply of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D (and other PC parts) than they actually need” to protect themselves from potential price hikes due to future tariffs.

    For those unaware, US President-elect Donald Trump has hinted at potential tariffs of 20% on all imports, with Chinese imports facing even steeper tariffs of up to 60%. If these tariffs are implemented, prices for PC components like CPUs and GPUs are likely to rise. The source further explained that the fear of tariffs is a significant reason for the increased supply in the US market.

    While MLID’s observations about the rapid sales of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D appear to be accurate, the actual availability of the CPU and its connection to any potential import tariffs remains uncertain. So, it’s wise to approach this information with caution.

    Source: Link,Link


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  • AMD Job Cuts: Company Focuses on AI Development and Strategy

    AMD Job Cuts: Company Focuses on AI Development and Strategy

    AMD has made the decision to cut its workforce by 1,000 employees globally. This semiconductor firm, often viewed as a key competitor to Nvidia, shared an earnings report for Q3 in September that showed mixed results.

    Financial Performance Insights

    According to a report from Reuters, AMD saw its revenue in the data center sector, which includes AI chips, increase more than double in the last quarter. Additionally, the personal computer segment experienced a growth of 29%. However, the gaming division faced a significant drop, with sales falling by 69%.

    Future Projections

    The London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) has predicted that AMD’s data center segment will grow by 98% in 2024, which greatly surpasses the expected 13%. Even with this growth, AMD still trails behind its rivals Nvidia and Intel in the AI chip market. In the first quarter of 2024, Nvidia maintained a 65% market share, while Intel held 22%, and AMD was at 11%.

    An AMD representative commented to Reuters, "In order to align our resources with our biggest growth opportunities, we are implementing several targeted measures." They also mentioned that the company is "dedicated to treating affected employees with dignity and assisting them during this transition."

    Conclusion

    In summary, while AMD is showing signs of growth in certain areas, it faces significant challenges in the competitive landscape of AI chips and has had to make tough decisions regarding its workforce. The company’s commitment to supporting its employees through these changes is notable.

    Source: Link,Link

  • AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review: Fastest Gaming CPU Yet

    AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review: Fastest Gaming CPU Yet

    Keeping in line with the legacy of the Ryzen 7 5800X3D, AMD has introduced a new Zen 5 processor featuring 3D V-Cache. The processor is named “Ryzen 7 9800X3D,” and it boasts 8 cores. This latest chip not only aims to reclaim the gaming performance throne once occupied by the Ryzen 7 7800X3D but also intends to extend its lead over Intel. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D has successfully achieved this goal.

    Performance Overview

    According to our evaluation of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D (linked below), this X3D processor ranks as the top gaming CPU available today, showing an average performance boost of 14% compared to Intel’s Core i9-14900K, and an impressive 40% over the Core Ultra 9 285K.

    Nonetheless, like with all CPU launches, reviews can vary widely. Therefore, it is beneficial to consider a thorough analysis of launch reviews. Fortunately, 3DCenter has provided a detailed roundup of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D reviews following the Arrow Lake launch. The overall findings portray the Ryzen 7 9800X3D as a very strong option for gamers.

    Comparative Analysis

    From the 14 launch reviews compiled by 3DCenter, the Ryzen 9800X3D is, on average, 9% quicker than the Ryzen 7 9700X and about 7% faster than the Core i5-14600K in various applications. This is a noteworthy achievement from a technical perspective, especially since previous X3D models typically lagged behind in productivity when compared to their non-X3D siblings due to lower TDP and clock speeds.

    However, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D struggles against the Core i7-14700K, Core Ultra 7 265K, and Ryzen 9 9900X, as it falls short by as much as 20%.

    Gaming Highlights

    The gaming capabilities of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D are where it truly excels. The analysis by 3DCenter indicates that this processor provides around an 11% performance increase over the Ryzen 7 7800X3D and a 23% improvement over the Ryzen 9 9950X. Unfortunately for Intel, their best gaming processor, the Core i9-14900K, is approximately 19% slower, while the Core Ultra 9 285K lags behind by 23%.

    For those still using the Ryzen 7 5800X3D, upgrading could be worthwhile, as the newer Ryzen 7 9800X3D delivers an average performance boost of 32%.

    Efficiency Considerations

    Ryzen X3D processors are recognized for their excellent efficiency. This time, though, AMD has chosen to prioritize higher clock speeds over efficiency, leading to the Ryzen 7 9800X3D not meeting or surpassing the benchmarks set by the Ryzen 7 7800X3D (available on Amazon).

    Despite this, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D still presents a solid argument for its performance with an average consumption of around 107 W in tested applications and just 73 W while gaming. In contrast, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D shows consumption figures of roughly 65 W and 53 W for applications and gaming, respectively.

    Moreover, the Core Ultra 5 245K and Ryzen 7 9700X showcase lower average application consumption at 95 W and 81 W compared to the Ryzen 7 9700X. However, in gaming, the Ryzen 7 9700X consumes a bit more at 86 W, while the Core Ultra 5 245K uses 67 W, which is 6 W less than the Zen5 X3D chip.

    Conclusion

    In summary, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D is a remarkable launch by AMD, bringing fresh excitement after a series of less impressive releases. Sadly, Intel does not have a competitive response, and it may be some time before they do with future CPU designs.

    3DCenter