Tag: amd

  • AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Launch Date Set for October 25

    AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Launch Date Set for October 25

    Previous rumors suggested that AMD’s next-gen Ryzen 9000 X3D CPUs, based on Zen 5, would launch in October. This time around, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D is expected to be the first to hit the market, while the Ryzen 9 9900X3D and Ryzen 9 9950X3D are projected for a 2025 release. A reliable leaker from Chiphell has now shared an exact date for this launch.

    Launch Details

    AMD is anticipated to officially introduce the Ryzen 7 9800X3D on October 25, with sales beginning in early November. The processor’s clock speed is said to be "quite high," but it remains unclear if it will surpass the speeds of the Ryzen 7 7800X3D or Ryzen 7 9700X. A previous benchmark suggested that the all-core boost could reach 5.2 GHz, and a single core might even hit 5.5 GHz.

    Pricing and Performance

    The Ryzen 7 9800X3D is expected to carry a hefty price tag, although this might be influenced by local taxes. There are mixed signals regarding the performance enhancements offered by the new Zen 5 X3D models. Some leaked slides from MSI’s testing indicate a modest 13% performance increase in Far Cry 6, but they do not clarify which specific model this applies to. Still, it won’t be long before we discover the truth regarding these performance claims.

    via @harukaze5719 on X

    Tags: , ,
  • Ryzen 9000X3D Benchmarks: 9800X3D Outperforms 7800X3D

    Ryzen 9000X3D Benchmarks: 9800X3D Outperforms 7800X3D

    The AMD Ryzen 9000X3D CPUs appear to be on the verge of their launch, as recent leaks and speculations strongly suggest that an announcement for the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and Ryzen 9 9950X3D will take place in October. New information shared by @CodeCommando_ on X indicates that the upcoming X3D CPUs are set to deliver an impressive increase in performance compared to the Ryzen 7000 series.

    Performance Gains

    If the multi-core Cinebench R23 results are to be believed, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D could be 18.4% quicker than the Ryzen 9 7950X3D (currently priced at $618 on Amazon), which averaged 35794 points during our testing. However, it’s worth mentioning that Cinebench R23 is becoming somewhat outdated, with Cinebench 2024 taking its place due to better accuracy and higher CPU loads, making it more fitting for today’s powerful processors. This improvement in performance aligns well with what we’ve come to expect from the Ryzen 9000 series.

    Gaming Relevance

    The eight-core Ryzen 7 9800X3D, which is typically more important for gamers, shows particularly exciting developments, with both single-core and multi-core performance metrics experiencing a notable uplift in comparison to the Ryzen 7 7800X3D.

    When we examine the performance results of the Ryzen 7 7800X3D from our thorough testing, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D seems to boast about a 35.6% advantage in multi-core tests. The single-core benchmark is just as striking, with the Ryzen 7 9800X3D achieving a 24.3% enhancement over the 7800X3D.

    Reasons Behind the Boost

    These substantial performance gains are likely attributed to the efficiency improvements brought by the Ryzen 9000 series. Additionally, there are whispers of significantly larger V-Cache chips, with one dedicated chip assigned to each CCD, which may help resolve some scheduling problems that affected prior X3D models.

    According to @CodeCommando_ on X, these developments could signal an exciting new chapter for AMD’s CPU lineup.

    Tags: , ,
  • AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Launching in October; Ryzen 9 Models Next Year

    AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Launching in October; Ryzen 9 Models Next Year

    Last year, AMD introduced the Ryzen 9 7950X3D and Ryzen 9 7900X3D, followed shortly by the Ryzen 7 7800X3D. Since that time, several new 3D V-cache models have been released, including the Ryzen 5 5600X3D, Ryzen 7 5700X3D, and Ryzen 5 7600X3D, appearing at various times. However, AMD seems to be planning a different approach for the upcoming Zen 5 X3D models, according to a recent rumor from Chiphell.

    Upcoming Launch

    The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D is expected to debut alone in late October, accompanied by new X870 motherboards. There is a possibility that AMD could unveil the Ryzen 9 9900X3D and Ryzen 9 9950X3D at the same time, although these processors are likely to be released next year, presumably after CES 2025. These new CPUs are rumored to feature ‘special attributes’ that distinguish them from previous generations.

    Performance Expectations

    Moore’s Law is Dead has speculated that the Ryzen 9 9950X3D may feature a doubled amount of 3D V-cache. It can be assumed that the Ryzen 9 9900X3D will receive similar enhancements, along with a potential price increase. If these speculations hold true, both CPUs are expected to perform exceptionally well in benchmarks, maintaining their top positions until the arrival of Zen 6. Neither of these models will support overclocking, which has been the norm since the Ryzen 7 5800X3D period.

    Tags: , ,
  • AMD Radeon 890M Offers Nearly 2x Higher FPS with AFMF 2

    AMD Radeon 890M Offers Nearly 2x Higher FPS with AFMF 2

    AMD has recently released the technical preview of AFMF 2 for its Strix Point series. This update brings support for the latest frame generation technology to the new Zen 5 processors, complemented by the company’s innovative VGM technology. In their announcement, AMD claimed that Fluid Motion Frames 2 would significantly enhance the gaming experience, a statement that ETA Prime has put to the test.

    Testing Setup

    For the tests, ETA Prime utilized the latest Asus ProArt P16 laptop, which is equipped with the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor. This model features the high-performance RDNA 3.5 integrated GPU, the Radeon 890M. ETA Prime dedicated 4 GB of memory to the integrated graphics, and the new Fluid Motion Frames technology also incorporates Variable Graphics Memory (VGM).

    Game Performance Results

    According to AMD, VGM automatically allocates memory to the iGPU based on the selected mode. During testing, ETA Prime set the Search Mode to "Standard" and the Performance Mode to "Performance." Initially, they ran Forza Horizon 5 at 1200p with medium graphics settings. Before enabling AFMF 2, the game averaged 86 FPS, but this improved to an average of 136 FPS after turning on the technology.

    Next, ETA Prime tested Elden Ring at 1080p with medium graphics settings. Without frame generation, the game ran at about 45 FPS, but with AFMF 2 enabled, the average increased to around 85 FPS. Additionally, they conducted a test on Fallout 4 at 1600p and ultra settings. With AFMF 2 active, the game averaged approximately 84 FPS, a notable rise from the previous average of 54 FPS. ETA Prime pointed out that all tests were conducted at a TDP of 45W, suggesting that the Radeon 890M could achieve even better performance at a higher TDP.

    Compatibility with Previous Generations

    It’s also important to mention that AFMF 2 is compatible with previous-generation RDNA 3 integrated GPUs, including the Radeon 780M, which is used in handheld devices like the Legion Go and ROG Ally Z1 Extreme (currently priced at $549.99 on Best Buy).

    Tags: , ,
  • AMD Must Strengthen Laptop Partnerships and Accelerate Growth

    AMD Must Strengthen Laptop Partnerships and Accelerate Growth

    It is widely known that AMD has historically been behind Intel and Nvidia in the laptop market, particularly in the variety of available designs. Sasa Marinkovic from AMD addressed some of these worries in our conversation a few years back, but the situation has not seen significant improvement since then.

    OEM Concerns

    An AC Analysis report indicates that AMD’s increased focus on datacenter products is causing friction with its notebook OEM partners. The report describes the current relationship as a "cold war ice age," which is worrying as interest grows in Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Series and Intel’s new Lunar Lake offerings. Additionally, AMD’s ongoing "startup culture" and compromises in the consumer market are negatively impacting its future, unlike Intel and Nvidia, which seem to balance their datacenter and consumer lines more effectively.

    OEMs are reportedly frustrated with the insufficient supply of AMD notebook chips for their designs in Q4 2023 and beyond. The analyst notes that partners have raised issues regarding miscommunication, unmet promises, and generally poor treatment, drawing parallels to Intel’s past behavior during its dominant years.

    Supply Issues

    ComputerBase supports this by highlighting that AMD has struggled to meet OEM chip demands. This is evidenced by the lack of Ryzen AI 300-powered laptops showcased at IFA 2024. Reports from discussions at the trade fair reveal that AMD’s failure to supply adequate and timely chips led manufacturers to reduce their portfolios of Strix Point laptops. One OEM remarked that AMD has "left billions of US dollars lying around" with its partners over the years.

    Currently, AMD offers only two Strix Point APUs: the Ryzen AI 9 365 and the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370. The Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 has shown impressive performance in the three Asus laptops we tested. Recently, Asus’s exclusivity with AMD for these APUs ended, which is why other OEMs are finally starting to launch Ryzen AI 300-powered models.

    New Launches and Future Prospects

    HP is set to release an OmniBook Ultra that features the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, while MSI has announced the Summit 16 AI+, Prestige A16 AI+, and Creator A16 AI+ at IFA 2024, all powered by Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 and Ryzen AI 9 365 options. Acer mentioned back at Computex 2024 that they are working on a Swift 14 with Ryzen AI 300, but no details were provided during the IFA event.

    AMD has also quietly launched the Ryzen AI 9 HX 375 APU, which boasts a slightly faster 55 TOPS NPU, but no laptops utilizing this APU have been revealed yet. Silent paper launches are not new for AMD in the notebook sector, as laptops featuring the Ryzen 9 7840HX are still absent, and very few Ryzen 7 8840U-powered mainstream laptops have reached reviewers, aside from a GPD Win Mini handheld and the Minisforum V3 tablet.

    AMD Advantage Program

    Do you recall the AMD Advantage program? It was AMD’s response to Intel Evo. Currently, AMD officially lists just three — yes, THREE — AMD Advantage laptops available in the US. However, on a global scale, models like the Asus TUF Gaming A16, Asus ROG Zephyrus G14, Framework 16, MSI Alpha 17, and MSI Alpha 15 are part of the Advantage program, though the Alpha 17 has now shifted to using an RTX 4070 Laptop GPU.

    When discussing AMD’s mobile GPUs, the situation is similarly concerning. To date, only about five or six devices featuring RDNA 3 mobile GPUs have been reviewed. In contrast, we have tested 20 laptops with the RTX 4080 Laptop GPU and only one with the RX 7900M. This situation reminds us of the times when AMD Ryzen Renoir laptops were released with no GPUs exceeding an RTX 2060 Laptop GPU, while Intel laptops had much higher specifications.

    Despite the challenges, AMD is expected to launch more budget-friendly Copilot+ laptops featuring Kraken Point in early 2025, likely at CES 2025. Kraken Point is a simplified version of the Strix Point APU with 4x Zen 5 + 4x Zen 5c cores, 8 CU RDNA 3.5 graphics, and a 50 TOPS XDNA 2 NPU. Upcoming flagship laptops will include Strix Halo and Fire Range APUs.

    Market Share Growth

    Interestingly, despite Intel’s aggressive marketing for Meteor Lake, AMD has managed to grow its mobile CPU market share from 16.2% in Q1 2023 to 19.3% in Q1 2024, accompanied by a notable 16.3% revenue increase. The full impact of AMD’s renewed focus on datacenter products on the consumer mobile segment will only be evident later in 2025.

    Nevertheless, AMD needs to act quickly in the mobile space, especially with Qualcomm and Intel, which has introduced a staggering 80 new Lunar Lake designs, closing in on AMD’s market. Reports suggest that the company must address OEM needs promptly to prevent further reductions in designs due to a lack of mobile CPUs and GPUs.

    Moreover, AMD and OEMs need to resolve feature inconsistencies between Intel and AMD laptop SKUs to make the selection process clear and appealing for consumers, rather than forcing them to choose between features. An example of this disparity can be seen in the Alienware m18 R1 Intel and m18 R1 AMD versions we reviewed last year.

    The AMD m18 R1 lacks USB4, supports only three M.2 NVMe drives compared to four in the Intel version, has a less efficient GPU, and offers significantly lower battery life despite having a more efficient CPU. Additionally, the m18 R1 AMD experienced initial performance issues that were only resolved by reverting to an older Radeon driver.

    Here’s hoping that 2025 brings better outcomes for both AMD and its customers.

    Tags: , ,
  • AMD Ryzen 9 9900X Geekbench: 3401 Single-Core Score Revealed

    AMD Ryzen 9 9900X Geekbench: 3401 Single-Core Score Revealed

    The upcoming Ryzen 9 9900X processor has been recently spotted in the Geekbench database, revealing notable performance improvements. This 12-core, 24-thread CPU, built on the Zen 5 architecture, achieved a single-core score of 3401 and a multi-core score of 19756 in Geekbench 6.2.1. In comparison to the previous generation Ryzen 7900X, which recorded scores of 2925 for single-core and 17849 for multi-core, the 9900X exhibits a substantial performance boost of 16.3% in single-core and 10.7% in multi-core operations.

    CPU Frequency Details

    The Geekbench test was conducted on a system featuring the ASUS ROG CROSSHAIR X670E GENE motherboard. During the testing phase, the CPU hit a peak frequency of 5664 MHz and maintained an average frequency of 5654 MHz.

    Specifications and Performance

    The leaked benchmark data pertains to a Ryzen 9 9900X processor based on the Zen 5 architecture. This 12-core, 24-thread CPU includes 64MB of L3 cache, with a base clock speed of 4.4 GHz and a maximum boost clock of 5.6 GHz. The processor operates with a thermal design power (TDP) of 120W.

    Tags: , , ,
  • AMD Rebrands Upcoming Ryzen CPUs as “Ryzen AI 300” to Surpass Intel

    AMD Rebrands Upcoming Ryzen CPUs as “Ryzen AI 300” to Surpass Intel

    A recent leak suggests that AMD might be revamping its mobile processor branding strategy.

    A well-known leaker, Golden Pig, on the Bilibili forums, reports that AMD is potentially abandoning its current Ryzen naming convention for its upcoming Zen 5 mobile processors. The new branding is rumored to be "Ryzen AI" accompanied by a 300-series number.

    New Branding Strategy

    This information follows an earlier Asus leak that hinted at a 100-series numbering scheme for the initial Ryzen AI processors. However, Golden Pig's report indicates that AMD has decided to jump to the 300-series to outdo Intel's rumored "inferior" 200-series numbering for their next-generation Lunar Lake/Arrow Lake processors.

    Emphasizing Neural Processing

    AMD might also be aiming to emphasize the inclusion of a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) in these chips, a crucial component for Microsoft's new Copilot+ AI PCs.

    AMD’s history of adopting competitor branding strategies, especially in the motherboard market, supports this rumor. The company's alleged use of the B650 chipset name reportedly led Intel to adopt B660 for their competing chipset to avoid confusion.

    If accurate, the "Ryzen AI" branding would likely encompass AMD’s entire mobile processor lineup featuring their XDNA NPU technology. This includes Strix Point, the codename for AMD’s next-generation mainstream Ryzen mobile processors that will succeed the Ryzen 8040 series.

    Strix Point and Strix Halo

    Strix Point is anticipated to boast Zen 5 CPU architecture, RDNA 3.5 graphics, and an XDNA2 NPU with approximately 30 TOPS of performance. Strix Halo, the codename for AMD’s high-performance mobile APU designed to compete with Apple’s M3/M4 processors, might also be included under the "Ryzen AI" branding.

    Tags: ,
  • AMD Launches Ryzen 8000 Series 4nm Embedded Processors with NPU

    AMD Launches Ryzen 8000 Series 4nm Embedded Processors with NPU

    AMD has recently introduced a groundbreaking innovation in the realm of industrial AI with the launch of the Ryzen 8000 series embedded processors. These processors mark a significant advancement by incorporating a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) based on AMD’s XDNA architecture, tailored specifically to address the demanding workloads of industrial Artificial Intelligence applications.

    Cutting-Edge Technology Integration

    The Ryzen 8000 series integrates a Zen 4 CPU, RDNA 3 GPU, and a novel XDNA Neural Processing Unit, setting a new standard in processing capabilities for industrial AI tasks. This sophisticated configuration, developed on a state-of-the-art 4nm process, combines the power of Zen 4 CPU architecture, RDNA 3 GPU architecture, and the innovative XDNA architecture NPU. Notably, this integration results in an exceptional 39 TOPS of AI computing power, with the NPU alone contributing a substantial 16 TOPS.

    Enhanced Performance and Features

    In addition to its AI capabilities, the Ryzen 8000 series offers a host of impressive features. With 20 lanes of high-speed PCIe Gen 4 connectivity, efficient data transfer is ensured, while support for dual-channel DDR5 5600 memory with error correction (ECC) guarantees smooth operation. The processors have the capacity to drive immersive visuals by supporting up to four independent 4K displays. Furthermore, hardware decoding and encoding capabilities for popular video codecs such as AV1, H.264, and H.265 simplify video processing tasks.

    Diverse Offerings and Collaborative Partnerships

    To cater to a variety of requirements, the Ryzen 8000 series is available in four distinct models. AMD is actively collaborating with embedded Original Design Manufacturer (ODM) partners like Advantech, ASRock, and iBASE to build a robust ecosystem around these processors. As the demand for AI technologies continues to rise, leading companies like Nvidia and AMD are developing advanced AI chips to support extensive research initiatives on a larger scale.

    Tags: , ,
  • US License Policy Sparks Debate: Huawei’s Chip Supply Uncertain due to Intel and AMD.

    US License Policy Sparks Debate: Huawei’s Chip Supply Uncertain due to Intel and AMD.

    The conflict between major chip manufacturers and the U.S. government has created uncertainty regarding Huawei's chip supply. Intel has managed to maintain its license to sell advanced laptop CPUs to Huawei, while AMD is facing challenges in obtaining a similar license, leading to a revenue disparity of over $512 million.

    Licensing Disparities

    AMD's unsuccessful attempts at securing a licensing agreement have raised concerns of unfair treatment within the industry. Figures like Republican Senator Marco Rubio have called for a reassessment by the Biden administration, yet official responses have been scarce, leaving Intel's license status uncertain as it nears expiration.

    Huawei's Vulnerability

    Huawei, a significant player in the global laptop market, heavily relies on Intel for its CPUs. Any restrictions on chip sales could significantly impact the company's laptop offerings and market share, especially in China. The outcome of these deliberations holds immense importance for Huawei's future prospects.

    Industry Implications

    The implications of these licensing challenges extend beyond AMD and Intel to other chip makers like Qualcomm and MediaTek. Qualcomm succeeded in obtaining a license for Huawei's smartphones, whereas Mediatek faced a setback with a denied application, resulting in decreased sales. Microsoft's recent collaboration with Intel for chip manufacturing further highlights the industry's response to these regulatory uncertainties.

    The tech industry is navigating a complex landscape where decisions on licensing policies can have substantial effects on global supply chains and market dynamics. As Intel's license hangs in the balance, the broader impact of these policies reverberates throughout the industry.

    Tags: , ,
  • HDMI Forum Denies AMD’s Linux Driver Support for HDMI 2.1

    HDMI Forum Denies AMD’s Linux Driver Support for HDMI 2.1

    AMD’s efforts to improve its open-source Linux graphics driver (AMDGPU) by incorporating HDMI 2.1 features have faced a significant obstacle. Despite extensive internal development aimed at enabling crucial functionalities such as 4K@120Hz and 5K@240Hz, the HDMI Forum has rejected AMD’s proposal.

    AMD’s Proposal Rejected

    The rejection has implications for Linux users with newer AMD Radeon graphics cards, who may find themselves unable to fully exploit the capabilities of HDMI 2.1-enabled displays. AMD conveyed its disappointment with the Forum’s decision, emphasizing that achieving an open-source HDMI 2.1 implementation would be unfeasible without infringing upon HDMI Forum stipulations.

    The HDMI Forum justified its decision based on legal and compliance concerns related to the open-source dissemination of the HDMI 2.1 specification. This development underscores the challenges encountered by open-source HDMI developers following the HDMI Forum’s move to restrict its specifications in 2021.

    Recommendation for Linux Users

    Consequently, the latest HDMI features are expected to remain inaccessible through open-source drivers. AMD’s suggestion for Linux users seeking features like high-refresh-rate 4K gaming is to opt for DisplayPort connections as an alternative.

    Windows Users Unaffected

    In contrast, Windows users with AMD graphics will continue to enjoy full HDMI 2.1 functionality, underscoring a disparity within the open-source development landscape. This discrepancy also sheds light on potential tensions within the relationship between AMD and the HDMI Forum.

    Uncertain Future for Linux Users

    The rejection raises questions about whether Linux users with AMD graphics will ever harness the full potential of next-generation HDMI 2.1 displays. Currently, both AMD and the HDMI Forum seem entrenched in their respective stances, limiting choices for consumers and leaving the situation unresolved.

    Tags: , ,