AMD’s Next Desktop APUs Could Be More Powerful Than Expected, BIOS Leak Suggests

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A Hint of Something Powerful Hiding in the Code

For those who build compact, powerful PCs without a separate graphics card, AMD’s “G-series” desktop APUs are the go-to choice. The upcoming Ryzen 9000G series has been highly anticipated, and a new leak now suggests it will be far more capable than initially thought. Hidden within a recent motherboard BIOS update are clues pointing to the inclusion of AMD’s powerful “Strix Point” technology.

AMD's Next Desktop APUs Could Be More Powerful Than Expected, BIOS Leak Suggests
AMD’s Next Desktop APUs Could Be More Powerful Than Expected, BIOS Leak Suggests

The discovery was made by data-miners examining the new AGESA 1.2.7.0 firmware, which is the underlying code that allows motherboards to recognize new CPUs. While this update was known to support the entry-level “Krackan” APUs, it also contains clear references to “STX,” the codename for the more advanced Strix Point architecture.

Strix Point vs. Krackan: A Tale of Two APUs

This leak is significant because it reveals that the Ryzen 9000G family may not be limited to the more basic Krackan chips. Instead, it appears AMD is planning a two-tier strategy for its desktop APUs:

  • Krackan Point: The entry-level option, expected to feature up to 8 CPU cores and a smaller GPU with 8 RDNA 3.5 compute units. This would be similar to the current Ryzen 5 8600G but with updated architecture.
  • Strix Point: The high-performance option, rumored to boast up to 12 CPU cores and a much more powerful integrated GPU with 16 RDNA 3.5 compute units.

This potential Strix Point model would represent a massive generational leap. For comparison, the current top-tier Ryzen 7 8700G has 8 cores and a 12-core RDNA 3 GPU. A 12-core CPU with a 16-core RDNA 3.5 GPU would offer a substantial boost in both processing and graphics power for a desktop APU.

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What This Means for Your Next PC Build

The inclusion of Strix Point in the desktop lineup is a game-changer for specific PC builds. These advanced APUs are perfectly suited for:

  • Compact Mini-ITX Systems: Builders can create incredibly small, powerful systems that don’t have room for a dedicated graphics card but can still handle gaming and content creation.
  • Budget Gaming Rigs: Users can build a capable 1080p gaming PC without the cost of a separate GPU, with the high-end model likely handling modern games with ease.
  • Efficient Workstations: The combination of many CPU cores and a powerful iGPU makes these chips ideal for productivity, coding, and media editing in a cool, quiet package.

Also, Read

While an official announcement is expected around CES 2026, this leak confirms that the future of desktop APUs is bright. AMD seems poised to deliver a lineup that offers a clear and powerful upgrade path, giving users more reasons than ever to consider a build without a discrete graphics card.

Source: HXL, Zhe Chen

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