AMD has just unveiled its latest gaming portable chip, the Strix Halo, designed to deliver an unparalleled gaming experience. But here's where it gets interesting: this chip is not just for gamers; it's also a powerhouse for AI workloads, thanks to its impressive 128GB of RAM. The Strix Halo is a premium chip, and it's no surprise that it has already inspired some innovative designs, such as the GPD Win 5 handheld, the Framework Desktop, and the Asus ROG Flow Z13 gaming tablet. However, these machines come with a hefty price tag of around $2,000, which may be a barrier for many gamers. Now, AMD is addressing this issue by introducing two new lower-end Ryzen AI Max Plus parts with full-fat graphics and fewer CPU cores, specifically aimed at gaming devices. The Ryzen AI Max Plus 392 has 12 cores, while the Max Plus 388 has just eight CPU cores, but both still offer 40 graphics compute units for 60 teraflops. AMD's client chip boss, Rahul Tikoo, explains that these new chips were introduced in response to specific customer requests for gaming SKUs. While the new Strix Halo devices may not be significantly more affordable than the previous ones, with prices potentially ranging from $1,000 to $1,500, compared to the vanilla Ryzen AI systems that typically start as low as $500, AMD is making a strong case for the future of gaming portables. But here's where it gets controversial: while the GPD Win 5 prototype impressed us, its rivals, Ayaneo and OneXPlayer, have also announced Strix Halo handhelds. So, the question remains: which gaming portable will come out on top? And this is the part most people miss: the Strix Halo is not just a gaming chip; it's a versatile tool for AI workloads, making it a valuable asset for developers and creators alike. So, what do you think? Will the new Strix Halo devices be a game-changer for gamers and AI enthusiasts alike? Or will they just be another expensive gadget on the market? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
