AMD’s CES 2025 Showcase: New Ryzen CPUs for AI, Gaming, and Beyond

AMD (AMD) made a significant impact at CES 2025 in Las Vegas by unveiling its latest range of Ryzen CPUs. The new lineup includes processors designed for AI PCs, gaming desktops, high-performance laptops, and handheld gaming systems.

These announcements underscore AMD’s commitment to competing with rivals Intel and Qualcomm in multiple key markets, setting the stage for a potentially major shift in the chip landscape in 2025.

AI PC Processors: A Major Push

A significant part of AMD’s announcement was focused on the burgeoning AI PC market. The company introduced three new series of Ryzen AI CPUs, each targeting different performance tiers:

• Ryzen AI Max: These processors are designed for high-powered laptops geared towards gamers and content creators. They boast up to 128GB of unified memory and a neural processing unit (NPU) capable of up to 50 TOPS (trillions of operations per second). A PRO version with enhanced security and enterprise management features will also be available.
• Ryzen AI 300 Series: This series, including the Ryzen AI 7 350 and Ryzen AI 5 340, is designed for mainstream consumer and enterprise AI PCs that don’t require top-tier performance. They also offer 50 TOPS of AI performance, enabling them to run applications like Microsoft’s Copilot+ PC features, including Recall and Click to Do.
• Ryzen 200 Series: Positioned for more affordable consumer and enterprise laptops, these processors offer 16 TOPS of AI performance. This lower TOPS rating may limit the ability to run more advanced AI applications.

Gaming-Focused Processors: Performance and Innovation

AMD also showcased its latest gaming-focused CPUs for desktops, laptops, and handheld gaming systems:

• Desktop CPUs: The Ryzen 9 9950X3D and Ryzen 9 9900X3D are built for hardcore gamers and content creators.
  • The Ryzen 9 9950X3D, the flagship processor, features 16 Zen 5 CPU cores (32 threads), a 5.7GHz max boost frequency, and 144MB of total cache. AMD claims it will be “the world’s best processor for gamers and creators”. It has a higher TDP (170 watts) compared to its predecessor, the 9800X3D, but delivers significant improvements in both gaming and content creation. AMD projects it to be about 8% faster in gaming and 13% faster in creator tasks than the 7950X3D. They also claim it’s 20% faster than Intel’s Core Ultra 9 285K, although Intel is expected to release a performance update.
  • The Ryzen 9 9900X3D has 12 cores (24 threads), a 5.5GHz max boost, and 140MB of cache with a 120-watt TDP. Both new X3D chips utilize the second generation of AMD’s 3D V-Cache technology, with the cache now located below the processor cores to improve cooling and performance.
  • Both the 9950X3D and 9900X3D are set for release in March, but pricing details haven’t been disclosed.
• Laptop CPUs: The new Ryzen 9000HX Series chips are designed for high-performance gaming laptops and feature improved temperature control for better battery life.
• Handheld Gaming CPUs: The Ryzen Z2 Series chips are designed for handheld gaming systems similar to the Nintendo Switch, but these systems run Windows or Linux operating systems and can play PC games.

The Competitive Landscape

AMD’s announcements at CES 2025 are happening amid a period of intense competition in the semiconductor market. Intel is working on a turnaround following a drop in share value and is also looking for a new CEO. Meanwhile, Qualcomm is expanding into the PC market with promising performance and power efficiency. With these new Ryzen processors, AMD appears to be well-positioned for a significant market share battle in the coming year.

Common Questions About AMD’s New CPUs

• What are TOPS, and why are they important? TOPS (trillions of operations per second) is a measure of a chip’s AI performance. It’s a key specification to look for when choosing AI PCs.
• When will the new CPUs be available? The Ryzen 9 9950X3D and 9900X3D are expected in March. The other new chips do not have a firm release date at this time.
• How do the new Ryzen CPUs compare to Intel? AMD claims the 9950X3D is faster than Intel’s Core Ultra 9 285K in both gaming and content creation. However, Intel is expected to make a performance update soon.
• What are the benefits of AMD’s 3D V-Cache technology? The second generation of 3D V-Cache technology in the X3D processors improves cooling and allows the CPU to boost to higher frequencies and deliver better overall performance.
• What kind of AI applications can run on these new chips? The AI Max and 300 series can run advanced AI applications, including Microsoft’s Copilot+ features. The 200 series may have limited capabilities due to its lower TOPS.
• Are these chips suitable for content creation? Yes, especially the Ryzen 9 9950X3D, which is designed for both gamers and creators, and is projected to be 13% faster in content creation tasks than the 7950X3D.

Conclusion

AMD’s unveiling of its new Ryzen CPUs at CES 2025 signals a major push into AI PCs, gaming, and mobile computing. The diverse range of processors aims to meet the needs of a wide variety of users, and the company is well-positioned to compete in the dynamic chip market. The new X3D chips should be a clear choice for anyone looking for excellent performance in both gaming and content creation.

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