AMD has unveiled its latest line-up of gaming processors ahead of CES 2025, showcasing cutting-edge technology aimed at delivering unmatched performance across desktop, handheld, and mobile gaming systems. AMD’s announcement showcased the Ryzen 9950X3D and 9900X3D desktop processors, the Ryzen Z2 Series tailored for handheld gaming devices, and the Ryzen 9000HX Series engineered for high-performance gaming laptops.
Next-level desktop gaming with Ryzen 9950X3D and 9900X3D
The AMD Ryzen 9950X3D and 9900X3D desktop processors are built to deliver unparalleled gaming and content creation experiences. Featuring AMD’s second-generation 3D V-Cache technology, these processors promise improved thermal efficiency, higher clock speeds, and exceptional gaming performance.
The Ryzen 9950X3D, with 16 Zen 5 cores and AMD RDNA 2 graphics, is set to become the flagship processor for gamers and creators alike. Its 144MB total cache and up to 5.7 GHz boost frequency make it one of the most powerful gaming processors available.
Meanwhile, the Ryzen 9900X3D offers 12 cores, a 140MB cache, and a boost frequency of up to 5.5 GHz, providing impressive power for gaming enthusiasts and professionals.
Both processors are expected to hit shelves in Q1 2025.
Ryzen Z2 series sets a new standard for handheld gaming
Handheld gaming has become an essential part of the gaming industry, offering players the flexibility to enjoy AAA titles anytime, anywhere. AMD’s Ryzen Z2 Series processors aim to push the boundaries of portable gaming by combining powerful Zen 5 CPU cores with RDNA 3.5 graphics architecture. These processors promise console-level performance in a compact form factor, delivering smooth visuals, responsive gameplay, and extended battery life.
The flagship Ryzen Z2 Extreme boasts up to 8 cores and 16 graphics cores, reaching boost frequencies of up to 5.0 GHz. This ensures exceptional responsiveness and power efficiency, even during demanding gaming sessions. Handheld devices equipped with Ryzen Z2 processors are expected to hit the market in early 2025, appealing to both casual gamers and enthusiasts seeking high-quality portable gaming experiences.
The Ryzen Z2 Series processors are set to revolutionise handheld gaming by combining AMD’s powerful Zen 5 CPU cores with RDNA 3.5 graphics architecture. Designed to deliver console-level performance in a compact and portable form factor, these processors ensure smooth visuals, ultra-responsive gameplay, and optimised power efficiency for extended gaming sessions.
At the top of the lineup, the Ryzen Z2 Extreme stands out with up to 8 cores, 16 graphics cores, and a boost frequency reaching up to 5.0 GHz. This configuration enables gamers to enjoy AAA titles seamlessly, even on handheld devices. The energy-efficient architecture allows for prolonged playtime without compromising on performance.
Expected to launch in early 2025, devices powered by the Ryzen Z2 Series will cater to both casual players and dedicated enthusiasts, offering a high-quality gaming experience on the go. With robust performance and portability, AMD’s latest handheld processors set a new standard for mobile gaming hardware.
Mobile gaming with Ryzen 9000HX series
For mobile gamers, AMD introduced the Ryzen 9000HX Series processors, designed to power high-performance gaming laptops. The flagship Ryzen 9955HX3D features 16 cores, 144MB total cache, and a boost frequency of up to 5.4 GHz. These processors are engineered for extreme multitasking and seamless gaming performance.
The series also includes the Ryzen 9850HX, offering 12 cores and a boost frequency of up to 5.2 GHz, ensuring top-tier gaming experiences on the go.
Gaming laptops featuring Ryzen 9000HX processors are expected to be available in the first half of 2025.
Industry leaders back AMD’s innovation
Leading OEM partners are already integrating AMD’s latest processors into their gaming systems, showcasing the versatility of these new technologies.
Acer has placed a strong focus on delivering high-performance systems for both gamers and creators. Jerry Kao, COO of Acer, said, “We are excited to expand our lineup of AMD-powered high-performance gaming systems… delivering next-level experiences for gamers and creators alike.”
ASUS, on the other hand, aims to push gaming performance boundaries with their flagship systems. Samson Hu, Co-CEO of ASUS, shared, “With the new ROG systems powered by the AMD Ryzen 9000HX Series processors, gamers can push their limits and experience extreme power and performance.”
Meanwhile, Lenovo is driving innovation in handheld gaming, focusing on delivering console-level experiences in portable devices. Jun Ouyang, Senior Vice President at Lenovo, stated, “With AMD’s cutting-edge Ryzen Z series processors, we’re pushing the boundaries of what handheld gaming devices can achieve.”
These perspectives from leading OEM partners demonstrate AMD’s impact across different segments of the gaming market, from desktop to handheld platforms. As AMD continues to drive innovation in gaming hardware, these new processors are set to redefine performance standards across gaming platforms.
