- AMD launches two new processors for consoles portable: Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme and Ryzen Z2A.
- The Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme debuts an NPU with up to 50 TOPS for applications of IA.
- Both models power the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X, as well as other devices such as the Lenovo Legion Go.
- The difference in power between the two processors determines the type of gaming experience they offer.
The arrival of the new portable consoles marks a before and after in the world of gaming, and one of the great novelties comes from the hand of AMD with the Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme and Ryzen Z2AAfter months of rumors and leaks, these chips are now official and will be present in such prominent models as the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X from ASUS, the result of collaboration between Microsoft and the Taiwanese brand.
AMD strengthens its position as a benchmark in processors for portable devices, offering alternatives for those seeking maximum power as well as for users who prioritize autonomy and price.. The difference between both models is significant, and it is worth analyzing it in detail if you are thinking of purchasing a console of this type soon.
Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme: A commitment to AI and maximum performance
El Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme It is the flagship of the range, and its main novelty is the integration of an XDNA2 NPU (neural processing unit) which allows to reach up to 50 TOPS in tasks of Artificial IntelligenceThis leap, hitherto unprecedented in processors for gaming laptops, opens the door to features such as advanced power management, improvements in gaming performance and, according to AMD, even the possibility of equipping characters in gaming titles with greater adaptive intelligence.
Beyond AI, the processor mounts a CPU of 8 cores and 16 threads based on the Zen 5 architecture, accompanied by a GPU with 16 RDNA 3.5 graphics cores. LPDDR5X-8000 memory support guarantees the necessary bandwidth to exploit the potential of the hardware, Whereas the Configurable TDP, from 15 to 35 watts, allows you to balance power and autonomy according to your needs. This setting is intended to provide a smooth gaming experience at 1080p.
In addition, users will be able to take advantage of technologies such as AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR), Radeon Super Resolution (RSR) and other AMD-developed solutions to take advantage of graphics power in both native and cloud gaming.
At the opposite end is the Ryzen Z2A. Although it shares the name with the most advanced model, under the hood we find previous generation hardware. It is built on the Zen 2 architecture, with 4 cores and 8 threads, and an RDNA 2-based GPU with 8 graphics processing units. The use of LPDDR5-6400 memory or with a TDP between 6 and 20 watts They focus this SoC on devices that prioritize the battery life and a lower cost, although in return the graphic performance will be adjusted, thinking about an optimal resolution of 720p.
Interestingly, this chip is quite close in specifications to previous processors such as the Van Gogh from the Steam Deck, reusing part of its architecture to offer an economical option for manufacturers of portable consoles that do not require the latest AI technology or top-of-the-range performance.
Supported consoles and usage scenarios
Both processors will debut in the new ROG Xbox Ally X and Ally, although it is expected that they will also reach other devices such as Lenovo Legion Go or options from brands like MSI. The operating system will be an optimized version of Windows 11 game-oriented, allowing you to take advantage of titles from both Xbox and other platforms through integrated libraries and cloud gaming.
The X version of the console will integrate the chip Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme, designed for those who seek the best portable experience and advanced AI capabilities. For its part, the Ryzen Z2A It will be available in the standard version, aimed at those who prioritize price or autonomy over raw power.
AMD thus seeks to cover two very different user segments, relying on proprietary graphic technologies and intelligent power management to adapt the hardware to each need. The first devices with these new chips will be available next season, and it will be important to evaluate their price and real performance compared to previous models such as the Steam Deck itself or the Nintendo Switch 2.
Its integration of artificial intelligence into the hardware, along with a range of options ranging from very powerful devices to more affordable proposals, reflects a strategy that positions these processors AMD Ryzen AI Z2 as protagonists in the evolution of portable consoles that will arrive throughout the year.
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