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AMD Confirms Next-Gen Strix Halo & Krackan Point “Ryzen AI” Zen 5 APUs

7/30/2024

AMD Confirms Next-Gen Strix Halo & Krackan Point “Ryzen AI” Zen 5 APUs

AMD has officially announced support for its upcoming Zen 5-powered Strix Halo and Krackan Point “Ryzen AI” APUs, set to launch next year. These advanced processors are now listed in the latest Ryzen AI Software 1.2, which includes numerous optimizations for laptops equipped with AMD Ryzen AI processors, such as the recently released Ryzen AI 300 “Strix” CPUs.

Key Features of AMD’s Zen 5-Powered Strix Halo & Krackan Point APUs

Strix Halo APUs:

  • Zen 5 Chiplet Design: Featuring up to 16 cores.
  • High-Performance Graphics: Up to 40 RDNA 3+ compute units.
  • Advanced Memory Support: 256-bit LPDDR5X-8000 memory controller.
  • Integrated AI Engine: XDNA 2 engine with up to 60 AI TOPS.
  • Expected Launch: 1H 2025.
  • Platform: FP11 (55W-130W).

Krackan Point APUs:

  • Monolithic Design: Hybrid architecture with up to 4x Zen 5 and 4x Zen 5c cores.
  • Efficient Graphics: Up to 8 RDNA 3.5 compute units.
  • Memory Configurations: Supports both DDR5 and LPDDR5x.
  • Integrated AI Engine: XDNA 2 engine with up to 50 AI TOPS.
  • Expected Launch: 1H 2025.
  • Platform: FP8 (15W-45W).

Insights from the Latest Ryzen AI Software Update

The Ryzen AI Software 1.2 update reveals new silicon revisions, including the ‘STXH’ or Strix Halo under the ‘2nd’ gen silicon revisions. Additionally, the Krackan Point appears in the list, suggesting a codename change from Kraken Point. The update also exposes the PCI IDs for the NPU.

Performance and Applications

The Strix Halo APUs are designed for high-end notebooks, offering powerful integrated graphics and advanced AI capabilities. In contrast, the Krackan Point APUs, with their power-efficient design, are ideal for handheld gaming devices. Both APUs are expected to provide significant performance improvements over their predecessors, making them a compelling choice for various applications.

Future Prospects

Both Strix Halo and Krackan Point APUs are anticipated to launch in the first half of 2025. Additionally, AMD is preparing to introduce the Fire Range CPU, which will share the same FL1 package as the Dragon Range. The Krackan Point APUs will replace the Hawk Point “Zen 4” APUs, offering enhanced performance and efficiency.

Stay tuned for more updates as AMD continues to innovate and push the boundaries of processor technology.