The gaming handheld scene is heating up, but a recent rumor suggests AMD's upcoming Ryzen Z2 series APUs might not pack the graphical punch many hoped for. While speculation pointed towards the inclusion of the powerful Radeon 890M with its 16 CUs, a new leak suggests otherwise.
Ryzen Z2: RDNA 3.5 Yes, Radeon 890M No?
Renowned tipster Golden Pig Upgrade, speaking on Bilibili, claims the Ryzen Z2 Extreme will top out with the Radeon 880M, featuring 12 CUs based on the RDNA 3.5 architecture. While this still represents a significant upgrade over the previous generation (offering a 13% performance boost compared to the Radeon 780M), it falls short of the 16 CU Radeon 890M found in the potent Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 and AI 9 HX 375 APUs.
A Trio of Z2 Chips?
The leak doesn't stop there. Golden Pig Upgrade also suggests a standard Ryzen Z2 will utilize a 12 CU RDNA 3 iGPU, potentially mirroring the Radeon 780M found in the current Ryzen Z1 Extreme. Adding further intrigue, a third "Ryzen Z2G" APU is mentioned, featuring a 12 CU RDNA 2 iGPU. This could be a refreshed Rembrandt APU equipped with the Radeon 680M, paving the way for more affordable gaming handhelds.
Hope Remains for the Radeon 890M
While the Ryzen Z2 series might miss out on the Radeon 890M, hope is not lost for handheld gamers. Chinese manufacturers, known for pushing the envelope, could still leverage the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 with its 16 CU RDNA 3.5 powerhouse. GPD's 2024 Pocket 4, a mini laptop, already utilizes this APU, proving its capability in power-constrained devices.
The Bottom Line
Although the Ryzen Z2 series might not boast the absolute bleeding edge of AMD's iGPU technology, the rumored RDNA 3.5 architecture with up to 12 CUs still promises a significant performance uplift over the previous generation. The potential for a more affordable "G" variant further expands the options for gamers on a budget. As always, treat leaks with a grain of salt and stay tuned for official announcements from AMD in the coming months.
