AMD has announced two new products in its Ryzen Z2 series processors, the new flagship Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme and Ryzen Z2 A. The Ryzen Z2 series was initially launched in January this year, including the Ryzen Z2 Extreme, Ryzen Z2, and Ryzen Z2 Go.
The Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme features specifications similar to its non-AI version, including an 8-core, 16-thread CPU, 24MB of cache, support for LPDDR5X-8000 memory, a configurable TDP of 15-35 watts, and 16 RDNA 3.5 graphics cores. This new Z2 processor is the only one in the series equipped with a dedicated NPU, which reportedly can deliver up to 500 trillion operations per second (TOPS) of AI computing power and supports Microsoft’s Copilot+ feature.
The Ryzen Z2 A now becomes the entry-level product in the AMD Ryzen Z2 series, although it is based on the older Zen 2 architecture. It features a 4-core, 8-thread CPU, 8 RDNA 2 graphics cores, 6MB of cache, and supports LPDDR5-6400 memory. This makes it slightly weaker than the previously released Ryzen Z2 Go, but interestingly, it has a configurable TDP range of 6-20 watts, which may be more favorable for battery life.
AMD has not yet disclosed the specific performance of these new chips, nor has it confirmed any new devices that will feature these new chips. The NPU on the Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme may bring some AI-based enhancements, such as improved system optimization, faster real-time processing capabilities, and even some degree of power management. It may also assist device manufacturers in integrating software and tools to more efficiently tune system performance.
Currently, the Lenovo Legion Go S and Legion Go 2 prototypes are the only confirmed handheld gaming devices that will use AMD Z2 series chips. ASUS is another OEM expected to launch at least one new handheld device this year, likely a successor to the ROG Ally and Ally X.