As the demand for more powerful gaming handhelds continues to rise, current models often struggle to deliver performance beyond entry-level desktop standards. However, the landscape is set to change dramatically with AMD’s upcoming Ryzen Z2 Extreme, scheduled for release in early 2025. This new APU aims to significantly enhance performance and battery life for gaming handhelds.
AMD’s Ryzen Z2 Extreme: A Leap Forward
At the IFA 2024 event, several manufacturers, including Acer, introduced new products like the Nitro 7 handheld. This device is currently powered by the AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS, which utilizes the Zen 4 and RDNA 3 architectures. While this setup represents a significant step forward, AMD is poised to make an even bigger impact with the Ryzen Z2 Extreme.
Jack Huynh, AMD’s Senior VP and General Manager of the Computing and Graphics division, emphasized the importance of both performance and battery efficiency. The Ryzen Z2 Extreme is designed to handle graphically intensive games like Black Myth: Wukong for extended periods, potentially allowing for up to three hours of playtime on a single charge.
Key Features of the Ryzen Z2 Extreme
The Ryzen Z2 Extreme will feature a hybrid core architecture combining Zen 5 and Zen 5c cores. Early information indicates a configuration of 3 Zen 5 cores and 5 Zen 5c cores, totaling 8 cores with 16 threads. This advanced setup is expected to provide a notable boost in performance and efficiency compared to current models.
Additionally, AMD will also release a standard Z2 APU, likely a rebranded version of the Ryzen 8040U “Hawk Point” APUs. This will ensure a broader range of options for different handheld devices.
The Competitive Landscape
The AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme is set to challenge Intel’s upcoming Lunar Lake-based handhelds, such as the MSI CLAW 8, which is also slated for release in 2025. Both AMD and Intel are pushing the envelope to deliver high-performance, power-efficient chips for gaming handhelds.
Manufacturer Adoption and Future Models
ASUS and Lenovo are expected to upgrade their current handhelds, such as the ROG Ally/X and Lenovo Legion Go, with the new Z2 Extreme APU in 2025. Other manufacturers like Zotac and Antec, which currently use AMD’s Zen 4-based APUs, might also introduce new models featuring the Z2 Extreme.
Comparing Next-Gen SoCs
Here’s a comparative overview of the next-generation System-on-Chips (SoCs) for gaming handhelds:
| CPU Name | Intel Lunar Lake | AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme | AMD Ryzen Z2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Process Node | TSMC N3B | TSMC N4? | TSMC N4 |
| Max Cores/Threads | 8/8 | 8/16 | 8/16 |
| Max Clocks | 5.1 GHz | TBD | 5.1 GHz? |
| Max Cache | 12 MB | 16 MB | 16 MB |
| TDP Range | 8-30W | 9-30W? | 9-30W? |
| GPU Architecture | Xe2 | RDNA 3.5 | RDNA 3 |
| Max GPU Cores | 8 Xe-Cores | 12 CUs | 12 CUs |
| Peak TFLOPs | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Launch | Q1 2025 (handhelds) | Q1 2025 | Q1 2025 |
Certainly! Here’s an FAQ section for the upcoming AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme and related gaming handheld advancements, including links to relevant sources for further reading:
FAQ: AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme and Next-Gen Gaming Handhelds
1. What is the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme?
The AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme is an upcoming high-performance APU expected to be released in early 2025. It features a hybrid core architecture combining Zen 5 and Zen 5c cores, designed to significantly enhance both performance and battery life for gaming handhelds.
Learn More: AMD’s Announcement on Ryzen Z2 Extreme
2. How does the Ryzen Z2 Extreme compare to current handheld APUs?
Compared to current models like the Ryzen 7 8840HS, the Ryzen Z2 Extreme offers improved core configuration, with 8 cores and 16 threads in a hybrid Zen 5 and Zen 5c setup. This configuration is expected to boost both performance and efficiency, enabling better handling of graphically intensive games.
Learn More: Comparing AMD APUs
3. What are the key specifications of the Ryzen Z2 Extreme?
The Ryzen Z2 Extreme will feature:
- Cores/Threads: 8/16
- Max Clock Speed: TBD
- Cache: 16 MB
- TDP Range: 9-30W (estimated)
- GPU Architecture: RDNA 3.5 with 12 CUs
Learn More: Ryzen Z2 Extreme Specifications
4. When will the Ryzen Z2 Extreme be released?
The Ryzen Z2 Extreme is scheduled to launch in early 2025. It will be featured in next-generation gaming handhelds from various manufacturers.
Learn More: Release Date Information
5. How does the Ryzen Z2 Extreme compare to Intel’s upcoming Lunar Lake processors?
Intel’s Lunar Lake processors will also be released in 2025 and are expected to feature competitive performance. The Intel Lunar Lake CPUs will use the Xe2 GPU architecture, and will offer up to 8 cores and 8 threads, potentially challenging AMD’s Ryzen Z2 Extreme in handheld devices.
Learn More: Intel Lunar Lake Overview
6. Which manufacturers will use the Ryzen Z2 Extreme?
Manufacturers such as ASUS and Lenovo are expected to upgrade their handheld devices to include the Ryzen Z2 Extreme. Other companies like Zotac and Antec might also introduce new models featuring this APU.
Learn More: Manufacturers Adopting Ryzen Z2 Extreme
7. What kind of performance can we expect from devices using the Ryzen Z2 Extreme?
Devices with the Ryzen Z2 Extreme are expected to handle modern, graphically-intensive games with higher frame rates and better efficiency compared to current handheld models. However, they may not yet match the performance of mid-range or high-end desktop PCs.
Learn More: Performance Expectations
8. Where can I find more information about the Ryzen Z2 Extreme and upcoming handhelds?
For the latest updates and detailed information, visit AMD’s official website or follow technology news sites that cover hardware advancements.
Learn More: AMD Official News
Tech News Websites: Digital Trends, TechRadar, Tom’s Hardware
Conclusion
The future of gaming handhelds looks promising with AMD and Intel racing to deliver more powerful and efficient chips. While current handhelds are limited to entry-level performance, the advancements expected in 2025 will likely enable higher frame rates and better gaming experiences. Although these new devices may not yet rival mid-range and high-end desktop PCs, they are certainly set to offer a much more compelling gaming experience than today’s models.
