The first details about AMD’s highly anticipated new generation APU series, Strix Halo, emerged with Geekbench tests. These tests helped answer some questions, especially regarding the performance of the integrated graphics unit. However, the results of the Ryzen AI Max + Pro 395 model show that integrated graphics units still lag behind discrete graphics cards. Still, the innovations and features offered by these APUs are met with great interest in the technology world.
Ryzen AI Max + Pro 395 scored 67,004 points in the Vulkan graphics test, performing at the same level as entry-level graphics cards such as RX 6500 XT and Nvidia RTX 3050. However, compared to more powerful cards such as the RX 6600 and RX 7600, it fell far behind. This result may be disappointing, especially for users who expect the same level of performance from integrated graphics units as discrete graphics cards. However, it is important to remember that these scores reflect only one test result and final performance may vary in different conditions.
Technical details of Strix Halo
Ryzen AI Max + Pro 395 appears as a very powerful processor with 16 Zen 5 cores and overclocking capacity up to 5.1 GHz. In addition, it aims to increase processing power with up to 64 MB cache support. On the graphics side, there is a Radeon 8060S GPU based on the RDNA 3.5 architecture. This graphics unit stands out with its 40 calculation units. However, it is observed that this increase in the number of computing units cannot compensate for the performance lagging behind old generation cards such as the RX 6600.
These new generation APUs from AMD will be offered with 55W, 85W and 120W TDP options to address different usage scenarios. This diversity aims to offer a wide range in terms of both performance and energy efficiency. It is also stated that these processors will be equipped with LPDDR5X and LPDDR5 memory support. High memory bandwidth can make significant contributions to overall performance, especially during multitasking and heavy applications.
The “Pro” designation in the Strix Halo series suggests that these APUs were developed primarily for workstations. This shows that graphics performance may not be the most important criterion for these products. It is known that integrated graphics units are designed with a more limited form factor and lower power consumption compared to independent graphics cards. Therefore, it may not be realistic to expect performance from these graphics units on par with discrete cards. Instead, the efficiency and versatility that these processors provide in general use will be more decisive.
AMD is expected to introduce the Strix Halo series at the CES event to be held in January 2025. Following this introduction, it is anticipated that the products will be launched in the second half of the year. The tech world can’t wait to see the real performance of these next-generation APUs. However, available data indicates that these products are aimed more at business-oriented applications and may have limitations in terms of gaming performance.
In conclusion, AMD’s Strix Halo series stands out with its powerful processor features and versatile design. However, it remains within the limits of integrated graphics units, rather than competing with discrete cards on the graphics performance side. Future official statements and more detailed tests will more clearly reveal the potential of these new generation processors.