AMD Strix APUs: high-performance PRO variants with 8 CPU and 12 GPU cores

According to Golden Pig Upgrade and Hoang Anh Phu, AMD has released new information on its Ryzen AI 300 APUs from the Strix Point and Krackan Point series. The processors are intended to cover different market segments, with the Strix models targeting the “PRO” variants and more powerful systems, while the Krackan Point models are aimed at more affordable devices. The Strix Point range includes APUs with up to 8 CPU cores, but these are only available in the PRO versions. These models are also equipped with 12 GPU cores. In contrast, the Krackan Point series is aimed at the mid-range market segment and offers models with 8 CPU and 8 GPU cores.

A recently leaked benchmark result on Geekbench provided the first information about the performance of the new Ryzen AI 7 PRO 360 APU. This APU was originally thought to be part of the Krackan Point series, but now turns out to be a model from the Strix Pro series. However, the Krackan Point APUs will not include any “PRO” models, and the series will only extend to the Ryzen AI 7 variant. A special feature of the Krackan Point APUs is the integration of Zen 5 and Zen 5c cores. This combination makes it possible to increase efficiency and performance, especially in mobile and more cost-effective devices.

The technical specifications of the upcoming Krackan Point and Strix Point models are as follows:

In addition, the Strix Pro models such as the Ryzen AI 9 HX Pro 375, which will be available exclusively from HP, will represent the most powerful variants within this product range. These models are equipped with an NPU that can achieve up to 55 TOPS (Tera Operations Per Second).

The Krackan Point APUs are aimed at devices in the mid-market segment. With these models, AMD is targeting more affordable end devices that still offer solid computing power. The combination of Zen 5 and Zen 5c cores in the Krackan range attempts to strike a balance between efficiency and performance. These models are therefore likely to be used particularly in handhelds and OEM devices. AMD plans to equip the Krackan Point and Strix Point models with broad support for various memory standards (LPDDR5X and DDR5). This should facilitate the integration of the APUs in various device categories. The release of the Krackan Point and Strix Point models is planned for 2025. The exact date has not yet been determined, but CES 2025 could be a likely time for the market launch.

AMD is aiming for a differentiated product strategy with its new Ryzen AI 300 APUs. The Strix Point models cover more powerful devices, while the Krackan Point models are aimed at a broader, cost-conscious audience. Both model ranges offer a combination of Zen 5 architecture and RDNA 3.5 graphics, with the Strix models standing out with more GPU cores and higher AI performance. The decision to establish Krackan Point as a separate product line for more affordable devices could offer manufacturers and consumers more flexibility by providing them with powerful devices at a moderate price. AMD is focusing on a tiered naming system that allows for clearer differentiation between the various performance segments. These approaches indicate that AMD will continue to have a strong presence in the mobile and mid-range segments. The focus on efficient integration of the new APUs could translate into wider availability in different device categories.

Source: Weibo, Hoang Anh Phu,