AMD is broadening the horizons for next-generation portable gaming and creative workstations with the announcement of two new processors in its high-performance Ryzen AI MAX+ lineup. The new Ryzen AI MAX+ 392 and 388, part of the “Strix Halo” family, are engineered to deliver desktop-class graphics performance from a compact chip, specifically targeting advanced gaming handhelds, thin-and-light laptops, and mini PCs.
The strategic move gives device manufacturers more flexibility to design powerful systems without relying on bulky, energy-hungry discrete graphics cards.
The Strategy: Full GPU Power, Flexible CPU Configurations
The most distinctive feature of these new APUs (Accelerated Processing Units) is their consistent, top-tier integrated graphics. Both the 12-core Ryzen AI MAX+ 392 and the 8-core Ryzen AI MAX+ 388 are equipped with the full Radeon 8060S graphics based on the RDNA 3.5 architecture, featuring 40 compute units.
This approach allows OEMs to tailor devices for different performance and efficiency goals without sacrificing graphical prowess. For instance, a gaming handheld like the upcoming device from SIXUNITED could utilize the 8-core 388 model. This configuration provides the full 40-CU GPU for smooth gameplay while the reduced CPU core count helps manage overall power consumption and heat—critical factors for battery life and comfort in a handheld form factor.
Specifications and Target Market
The new chips slot into the existing Strix Halo portfolio, which is AMD’s most powerful APU series designed for systems where a discrete GPU isn’t feasible or desired. Key specs include:
- Ryzen AI MAX+ 392: 12 cores / 24 threads, 76MB cache, up to 5.0 GHz boost.
- Ryzen AI MAX+ 388: 8 cores / 16 threads, 40MB cache, up to 5.0 GHz boost.
- Shared Features: Full 40-CU Radeon 8060S iGPU, XDNA 2 NPU rated for up to 50 TOPS of AI performance.
AMD positions these APUs for “thin systems that still need workstation-style headroom.” Major partners including Acer, ASUS, HP, and Lenovo have design wins, with the first devices containing these new chips expected to hit the market in the first quarter of 2026.
Implications for the Future of Portable Gaming
The expansion of the Strix Halo series, particularly with an 8-core model retaining the full GPU, signals a strong push by AMD to capture the burgeoning high-performance handheld PC market. By offering this level of integrated graphics power, AMD enables device makers to create products that can rival traditional gaming laptops in a much more portable format.
Also, Read
- AMD Unveils Ryzen AI 400 Series – 60 TOPS NPU and Faster Graphics Headline CES 2026 Launch
- AMD’s Next-Gen RDNA 5 GPUs Rumored for Mid-2027 Launch
- AMD’s Ultimate Gaming CPU Leaks: Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 with Massive 192MB Cache
For consumers, this means more choice and potentially more powerful, efficient, and compact devices capable of handling demanding games and creative applications entirely on integrated graphics, reshaping expectations for what’s possible without a separate graphics card.
Source: AMD