In August 2024, the tech world was abuzz with rumors of an unprecedented tablet PC, the Asus ROG Flow Z13, powered by a then-unknown AMD processor codenamed “Strix Halo.” This processor hinted at a paradigm shift in mobile computing power, particularly in graphics performance, with its purported 80-watt GPU. The whispers surrounding this mysterious chip suggested a significant leap beyond anything previously available in the portable device market, sparking excitement among tech enthusiasts and gamers alike.
Now, with CES 2025 just around the corner, more concrete information has emerged, painting a clearer picture of this groundbreaking processor. Leaked reports suggest that the “Strix Halo” chip will officially debut as the AMD Ryzen AI Max 395 Plus. This Zen 5 processor, featuring Radeon 8060S graphics, packs a formidable punch with 16 Zen 5 cores and a staggering 40 compute units of AMD RDNA 3.5 graphics architecture. This configuration represents a substantial performance upgrade, especially in the graphics department, dwarfing previous mobile processors like the Ryzen AI 9 HX 375, which housed only 16 GPU compute units. The Ryzen AI Max 395 Plus is poised to become AMD’s most powerful mobile processor to date, setting a new benchmark for portable computing performance.
Interestingly, the leaks also suggest a tiered approach to the AI Max / Strix Halo lineup. Variants like the AI Max 390, AI Max 385, and AI Max 380 are anticipated to offer varying core counts and graphics capabilities, potentially starting with as few as six CPU cores and 16 RDNA graphics compute units. However, online retailer leaks indicate that the Asus ROG Flow Z13, the flagship device expected to showcase this new technology, will feature the top-tier processors with the full 40 compute units, ensuring maximum performance for discerning users. This tiered strategy allows AMD to potentially cater to a wider range of devices and price points, while still offering a significant performance boost across the board.
The Asus ROG Flow Z13 itself is shaping up to be a remarkable piece of hardware. Early leaks depict a premium tablet running Windows 11 on a vibrant 13.4-inch, 180Hz IPS touchscreen display with a 16:10 aspect ratio. Furthermore, it is expected to boast 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM and a generous 1TB of storage, ensuring smooth multitasking and ample space for applications and files. These specifications, combined with the powerful Ryzen AI Max 395 Plus processor, promise a truly exceptional mobile computing experience, blurring the lines between tablets and high-performance laptops.
The implications of this significant leap in mobile graphics performance are far-reaching. Not so long ago, advancements in AMD’s integrated graphics technology played a pivotal role in igniting the handheld PC gaming revolution. The Ryzen AI Max 395 Plus and its variants have the potential to further accelerate this trend, empowering developers to create even more demanding and visually stunning games for portable devices. Beyond gaming, this boost in graphical horsepower will also benefit content creators, professionals working with demanding applications, and anyone who values a smooth and responsive computing experience on the go.
The anticipation surrounding the official unveiling of the AMD Ryzen AI Max Plus series at CES 2025 is palpable. This new generation of mobile processors promises to redefine what’s possible in portable computing, pushing the boundaries of performance and opening up exciting new possibilities for gaming, content creation, and everyday productivity. The Asus ROG Flow Z13, serving as the launchpad for this groundbreaking technology, is expected to be a highly sought-after device, showcasing the true potential of the Ryzen AI Max 395 Plus and ushering in a new era of mobile computing power.
