The landscape of mobile computing is quietly gearing up for another significant shift. Hot on the heels of previous launches, AMD's ambitious Strix Halo APU lineup appears to be expanding, with two new models surfacing in online benchmarks and leaks. This latest development signals a continued push from the chipmaker to blur the lines between integrated and discrete graphics, potentially offering gamers and creators a new level of performance without the need for a dedicated GPU.
The news broke earlier today when a previously unannounced APU, identified as the Ryzen AI Max+ 388, was listed on the reputable benchmarking website PassMark. This sighting, initially highlighted by the YouTube channel Moore's Law is Dead, adds another piece to the Strix Halo puzzle.
Deciphering the New Ryzen AI Max+ 388
So, what do we know about this new chip? The Ryzen AI Max+ 388 is configured as an 8-core, 16-thread processor. This positions it as a slightly more accessible alternative to the top-tier Ryzen AI Max+ 395, an APU that has already begun powering a new generation of high-performance mini-PCs and compact laptops, such as the powerful GMKtec EVO-X2.
But the core count is only half the story. The true prowess of the Strix Halo series lies in its integrated graphics. While details are still emerging from the leak, the expectation is that this APU will harness a full-power version of AMD's Radeon 800M series iGPU. This aligns with a separate report from VideoCardz, which dived deeper into the implications of this leak.
The plot thickened as the same leak also casually mentioned the existence of another unreleased SKU: the Ryzen AI Max+ 392. While details were sparse in the initial spotting, we didn't have to look far to find its origins.
The Sixunited Connection: A Hub for Strix Halo Innovation
As it turns out, the trail leads directly to device manufacturer Sixunited. The model number in the PassMark listing is linked to an upcoming product from this company. This connection makes perfect sense, as Sixunited has recently emerged as a prominent early adopter of the Strix Halo platform.
Just last month, the company showcased a diverse portfolio of devices powered by these advanced APUs. Their lineup included everything from sleek all-in-one systems like the AXA33 to powerful laptops like the impressive 16-inch AXN77B-160M-CS, which pairs the Strix Halo silicon with a massive 99.99 Wh battery and a stunning 165 Hz OLED display.
Where does the new Ryzen AI Max+ 392 fit into all of this? The answer lies in a detailed press release from Sixunited themselves. For those looking for the primary source, you can find the full announcement on their official website: Sixunited Press Release on New Strix Halo Devices.
The press release not only details the devices but also explicitly names the Ryzen AI Max+ 392. A promotional image from the release clearly positions this new variant as a strategic middle-ground option. It appears to combine the 12-core CPU configuration and generous 76 MB cache of the existing Ryzen AI Max 390 with the top-tier Radeon 8060S integrated graphics that, until now, were exclusive to the flagship Max+ 395 model.
This clever product stacking gives consumers a compelling new choice, offering near-top-tier graphics performance without necessarily requiring the absolute highest CPU core count. For a visual breakdown of these SKUs and their specifications, the team at VideoCardz has an excellent analysis that cross-references this information: VideoCardz Analysis of AMD Ryzen AI Max APUs.
What This Means for the Market
The emergence of these new APUs is more than just a spec sheet update. It represents a concerted effort by AMD to solidify Strix Halo's position in the market. By offering a wider range of CPU and GPU combinations within the same architectural family, AMD and its partners like Sixunited can target a broader spectrum of price points and performance tiers.
For consumers, this means more options. The promise of Strix Halo is desktop-class gaming and content creation performance in a slim, quiet, and power-efficient form factor. The inclusion of a powerful iGPU like the Radeon 8060S could potentially rival entry-level discrete graphics cards, making devices like the upcoming Sixunited 2-in-1 incredibly versatile. As noted by industry watchers on social media, such as this post from Victor M., the excitement is palpable: Social Media Reaction to Strix Halo.
Imagine a 2-in-1 detachable laptop, similar to the one Sixunited is reportedly preparing, that is thin and light enough for all-day productivity but can also handle AAA gaming at respectable settings when you're ready to relax. This is the exact market that high-performance APUs are poised to capture.
While we await official pricing and availability for systems featuring the Ryzen AI Max+ 388 and 392, it's clear that the competition in the integrated graphics space is heating up rapidly. For those eager to see what the current top-of-the-line Strix Halo can do in a ready-to-ship system, you can check out the GMKtec EVO-X2 on Amazon: GMKtec EVO-X2 on Amazon.
One thing is certain: the era of the "good enough" integrated graphics is over. With Strix Halo, AMD is pushing the envelope, and these new leaks suggest they are just getting started.
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