# AMD’s Newest Ryzen AI Processors: Premium Performance with Budget-Friendly Rebranding
At CES 2025, AMD’s recent revelations have paved the way for a groundbreaking year in both laptop and desktop computing. The company introduced a range of new processors, from state-of-the-art Ryzen AI CPUs boasting advanced AI features to cost-effective Ryzen 200 series chips that revamp older technology. Below is a comprehensive overview of what AMD offers to both consumers and professionals.
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## **Ryzen AI 300 Series: Advancing the AI Landscape**
The Ryzen AI 300 series from AMD, which debuted in 2024, has undergone a major enhancement. These processors aim to utilize AI features for various tasks such as live transcription, superior video conferencing, and AI-facilitated productivity applications like Microsoft’s Copilot+.
### **New Models: Ryzen AI 7 350 and Ryzen AI 5 340**
The newly introduced Ryzen AI 7 350 and Ryzen AI 5 340 processors broaden the selection with mid-range alternatives:
– **Ryzen AI 7 350**: Comprises 8 CPU cores divided between high-efficiency Zen 5 cores and power-saving Zen 5C cores, paired with a Radeon 860M GPU featuring 8 graphic cores.
– **Ryzen AI 5 340**: Provides 6 CPU cores (also divided between Zen 5 and Zen 5C) and a Radeon 840M GPU with 4 graphic cores.
Both processors come with a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) capable of 50 TOPS (trillion operations per second), enabling them to utilize Copilot+ features. They represent an excellent choice for individuals pursuing AI-enhanced computing at a budget-friendly price.
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## **Ryzen AI Max and Max+: Elite Performance Champions**
For users desiring top-notch performance, AMD has rolled out the Ryzen AI Max and Max+ series. These processors cater to sleek laptops needing substantial processing capability without the inconvenience of a dedicated GPU.
### **Key Features**
– **Ryzen AI Max+ 395**: Boasts 16 Zen 5 CPU cores and a Radeon 8060S GPU featuring 40 graphic cores.
– **Ryzen AI Max 390**: Offers 12 CPU cores along with a Radeon 8050S GPU equipped with 32 graphic cores.
– **Ryzen AI Max 385**: Contains 8 CPU cores and the same Radeon 8050S GPU as the Max 390.
All these processors come with the same 50 TOPS NPU seen in lower-tier models, ensuring exceptional performance in AI-related tasks. The built-in GPUs, with up to 40 cores, guarantee decent gaming performance and media handling, making these options attractive for both creative professionals and gamers.
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## **Ryzen HX and HX3D: Desktop Performance for Portable Devices**
AMD also aims at high-performance gaming laptops and workstations with its new Ryzen HX and HX3D processors. These chips are essentially desktop CPUs adapted for laptop use, delivering unmatched power for intensive applications.
### **Key Features**
– **Ryzen 9 9955HX**: A 16-core processor engineered for gaming laptops equipped with dedicated GPUs.
– **Ryzen 9 9955HX3D**: Incorporates AMD’s 3D V-Cache technology, adding an extra 64MB of L3 cache to enhance gaming and multitasking efficiency.
These processors are perfect for users in need of desktop-level power in a portable package, suitable for gamers, video editors, and 3D designers.
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## **Ryzen 200 Series: A Budget-Friendly Option**
For those budget-minded consumers, AMD has launched the Ryzen 200 series. However, these processors are not entirely novel—they are rebranded iterations of the Ryzen 8040 series, which were minor enhancements of the Ryzen 7040 series.
### **Processor Overview**
– **Ryzen 9 270, Ryzen 7 260, Ryzen 7 250**: Feature 8 Zen 4 CPU cores and Radeon 780M GPUs with 12 graphic cores.
– **Ryzen 5 240, Ryzen 5 230**: Present 6 Zen 4 CPU cores and Radeon 760M GPUs with 8 graphic cores.
– **Ryzen 5 220, Ryzen 3 210**: Comprise a combination of Zen 4 and Zen 4C cores, along with Radeon 740M GPUs for fundamental graphic tasks.
While these processors can manage everyday computing needs, they do not possess the AI capabilities of the Ryzen AI series. This makes them less equipped for the future but still a reasonable choice for users upgrading from older machines.
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## **The Pros and Cons**
### **Advantages**
– **AI Integration**: The Ryzen AI series continues to expand the potential functionalities of laptops, making AI-based tasks more achievable for the average user.
– **Diverse Performance Options**: Ranging from premium gaming laptops to budget alternatives.
