AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme APU for next-gen handhelds spotted with 8-core configuration

One of AMD's executives has confirmed the upcoming release of the Ryzen Z2 processor. The company has announced that the processor won't be available until next year, but preparations for its launch are already in progress.

This information has been verified in the recently leaked NBD shipping manifest (via @Olrak29_), which identifies the chip as "Z2X28W" with a "100-000001684" ID. The Z2X28W FP8 listing for this CPU indicates that it uses the FP8 socket and has a 28W TDP. Additionally, the CPU is reported to have 8 CPU cores, hinting that it could be a Stris Point or Kracken Point CPU.

If AMD bases this processor on Strix Point, the company will not utilize the processor's full 12-core CPU. This decision makes sense considering the limited number of games that effectively utilize high CPU core counts. It's important for power-limited gaming devices to conserve power where it's not necessary, potentially boosting the power efficiency of future Strix Point PC handhelds.

In the case of a PC gaming handheld, the distinction between a Strix Point-based and Kracken-based processor lies in their integrated graphics. Strix Point can support up to 16 RDNA 3.5 Compute Units, while Kracken can support up to eight. Both CPUs feature AMD Zen 5 CPU cores. Either Strix Point or Kracken could be used to create Ryzen Z2 series chips.

However, it is anticipated that Strix Point will power the Ryzen Z2 Extreme, as the Z2 Extreme is expected to have more compute units than its predecessor, a feat only achievable with Strix Point's 16 RDNA 3.5 CUs. It's worth noting that AMD's Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip boasts 12 RDNA 3.0 GPU compute units. And as always, remember to check out on our comparator so you can secure the finest deal on your next favorite game.