New Entry-Level APU for Budget Laptops
AMD has quietly launched the Ryzen AI 5 330 – an ultra-budget mobile APU based on the Krackan Point 2 architecture. Designed for sub-$500 laptops and Chromebooks, it features:
- 1x Zen 5 + 3x Zen 5c cores (4 cores/8 threads)
- Radeon 820M GPU with just 2 RDNA 3.5 compute units
- Full XDNA2 NPU delivering 50 TOPS AI performance
- Configurable 15-28W TDP for fanless designs
Priced as AMD’s most affordable AI-capable processor, it succeeds the aging Mendocino (Zen 2/RDNA 2) platform.
Technical Breakdown
Ryzen AI 5 330 APU Key specifications:
| Component | Spec |
|---|---|
| CPU | 1× Zen 5 (4.5 GHz) + 3× Zen 5c (3.4 GHz) |
| GPU | Radeon 820M (2 CUs) |
| Cache | 4MB L2 + 8MB L3 |
| AI | XDNA2 NPU (50 TOPS) |
| TDP | 15-28W (FP8 socket) |
The unique 1+3 core hybrid design prioritizes power efficiency over multi-threaded performance, while the 50 TOPS NPU enables Windows Studio Effects even in entry-level devices.
Position in AMD’s AI 300 Series
The Ryzen AI 5 330 sits at the bottom of AMD’s mobile lineup:
- Strix Halo: 16-core flagship (e.g., AI Max+ 395)
- Strix Point: 12-core mainstream (e.g., AI 9 HX 370)
- Krackan Point: 6-8 core budget (e.g., AI 5 340)
- Krackan Point 2: 4-core entry (AI 5 330)
Unlike higher-tier models, the 330’s minimal GPU targets basic 720p gaming and video playback rather than AAA titles.
Target Market & Limitations
Ideal for:
- Education Chromebooks
- Basic productivity laptops
- Thin-and-light budget Windows systems
Performance expectations:
- Not for gaming: 2-CU GPU struggles beyond indie titles
- Light multitasking only: Quad-core design limits heavy workloads
- AI-enhanced video calls: NPU handles background blur/noise reduction
- All-day battery life: 15W mode enables fanless designs
Also, Read
- Intel Nova Lake-AX Leaked – High-Power APU to Challenge AMD Strix Halo
- AMD Zen 6 CPU Engineering Samples Distributed – 12-Core CCDs & Dual Memory Controllers Confirmed
- AMD RX 9070 XT Now Beats RTX 5070 Ti After Driver Updates
Why This Matters
While not a performance powerhouse, the AI 5 330 democratizes:
- AI acceleration in sub-$400 devices
- Zen 5 architecture for budget segments
- Modern video decoding (AV1 support)
It pressures Intel’s N-series CPUs and could dominate the education market. First devices expected October 2025.
SOURCE: AMD