At the 2025 International CES, AMD introduced its latest Ryzen AI Max 300 series processors, designed to compete with Apple’s M4 Pro chip used in the MacBook Pro. These processors aim to deliver high CPU and graphics performance in a single package, eliminating the need for a separate graphics card. This helps save space inside laptops, making them more compact and portable.
The new processors, known as “Strix Halo,” feature up to 16 “Zen 5” cores, offering strong performance for demanding tasks. Each set of eight cores shares a 32 MB L3 cache, which boosts speed and efficiency. The standout feature is the built-in graphics unit, or iGPU, based on AMD’s RDNA 3.5 technology. With 40 compute units, it provides performance comparable to desktop gaming graphics cards like the Radeon RX 6750 XT. The iGPU supports advanced features such as ray tracing for better gaming visuals and is optimised for the latest LPDDR5X memory to ensure smooth and fast operation.
The processors also include an advanced AI engine called Ryzen AI XDNA 2, capable of handling up to 50 trillion operations per second. This makes the “Strix Halo” processors powerful enough to handle large AI models independently, opening up possibilities for improved AI tools and applications. To support such performance, AMD has equipped these processors with a 256-bit memory interface, ensuring fast data transfer for gaming, AI tasks, and other intensive workloads.
AMD is launching seven different models to cater to various needs. At the top of the lineup is the Ryzen AI Max+ 395, which features 16 cores and a high-performance iGPU suitable for gaming and professional tasks. The Ryzen AI Max 390 and 385 models offer 12-core and 8-core options, respectively, while the entry-level Ryzen AI Max PRO 380 is equipped with 6 cores and a simpler iGPU for lighter workloads. All models have adjustable power settings, ranging from 45W to 120W, making them versatile for different types of devices.
These processors are expected to appear in laptops and workstations during the first half of 2025. Devices such as the ASUS ROG Flow Z13 gaming laptop and HP’s ZBook Ultra G1a workstation are among the early adopters of this technology.
AMD’s Ryzen AI Max series aims to bring powerful performance to portable devices, making them an exciting choice for gamers, professionals, and anyone who needs reliable AI capabilities in a compact form.
