AMD Strix Point Price Hike: Double the Cost of Zen 4?
Hold onto your wallets - AMD's new Strix Point processors are coming in hot, but with prices that might leave you singed. Early indications suggest these Zen 5 APUs are significantly more expensive than their Zen 4 predecessors, and a GPD representative claims AMD is to blame.
Price Increases Across Devices
The price hikes are evident across multiple devices. For instance, the AOOSTAR GEM10 mini PC with a Strix Point APU is nearly double the price of its Zen 4 counterpart. Similarly, the GPD Duo laptop sees a $400 price jump for the Strix Point configuration.
GPD Representative Points Fingers at AMD
A GPD representative has stated that AMD is selling the Strix Point Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 at twice the price of comparable Hawk Point (Zen 4) processors. This hefty price increase is being shouldered by manufacturers and ultimately passed on to consumers.
Impact on Handheld Gaming PCs
This price surge is particularly worrisome for upcoming handheld gaming PCs, which could see significant price increases as a result. However, there's hope that AMD's Ryzen Z2 series, rumored to be targeted at handheld devices, might offer a more affordable entry point for Zen 5.
Performance vs. Price: A Difficult Choice
While Strix Point brings undeniable performance improvements, its high cost, allegedly due to AMD's pricing strategy, presents a difficult choice for both manufacturers and consumers. It remains to be seen whether the market will accept these higher prices or if it will push AMD and device manufacturers to reconsider their pricing strategies.