AMD next-gen “Strix Point” series with XDNA2 NPU to offer 3x performance boost for generative AI

AMD Strix Point comes with XDNA2 AI processor

AMD is filling the gaps in the next-gen mobile APU series specs. 

AMD has stated that its upcoming Strix Point APU series will incorporate the latest XDNA2 AI core. This processor is expected to deliver a performance boost of up to three times compared to the Hawk Point XDNA AI core.

In a recent announcement, AMD introduced the new Hawk Point series under the name Ryzen 8040. This series, an evolution from Phoenix, already features an integrated XDNA core. The AI core within the Ryzen 7040 series provides approximately 10 TOPS of compute performance for generative AI. With the upcoming 8040 series, AMD aims to increase that speed to 16 TOPS. Additionally, AMD has revealed that the next-generation XDNA2 NPU core, part of the Strix Point APU series, is expected to achieve a threefold increase in performance.

AMD Strix Point AI core performance, Source: SweClockers

AMD has chosen not to officially disclose the product name for the Strix Point APU series. The potential names under consideration are either Ryzen 8050 or perhaps 9050 series, depending upon the actual launch date. AMD has committed to the new APU series being available for shipment within the current year, suggesting that the 8050 designation would likely be more fitting. It’s worth noting that AMD is making a distinction between the terms “shipping” and being “available,” so this should be taken under consideration.

AMD Strix Point, Source: AMD/Moore’s Law is Dead

AMD has officially confirmed that Strix Point is powered by the Zen5 CPU core architecture and will be equipped with the RDNA3+ graphics, also known as Navi 3.5. Although AMD has yet to delve into details about Navi 3.5, the current emphasis is on AI performance, where the next-generation XDNA2 core is anticipated to deliver a threefold increase in performance. It’s important to note that previous speculations hinted at a potential performance range of 45 to 50 TOPS, which aligns with the 3x performance claim and suggests an approximate performance level of 48 TOPS.

According to rumors, Strix Point is expected to offer two configurations: one with 12 cores and another with 16 cores, referred to as the Halo configuration. The latter is rumored to be launched in 2025, positioning as a competitor to Apple’s premium M-series. Meanwhile, the Strix Point series is slated to succeed Phoenix as the high-end mobile APU series and to be offered alongside Hawk Point next year.

Source: AMD