AMD has introduced the Ryzen AI Max 400 series of processors for local AI development platforms. Serving as an architecture refresh to the previous Ryzen AI Max (PRO) 300 series Strix Halo hardware, the new silicon combines Zen 5 CPU cores, RDNA 3.5 integrated graphics, a dedicated NPU, and AMD PRO enterprise management features. Consumer-targeted iterations of these processors are scheduled to debut later this year.

The primary update centres on the integrated memory controllers, which have been modified to support up to 192GB of LPDDR5X unified memory via a 4-channel, 256-bit interface. Users can manually partition this pool to allocate up to 160GB directly to the integrated graphics subsystem, providing the capacity needed to run LLMs with more than 300 billion parameters. Performance modifications include a maximum GPU boost frequency increase to 3.00GHz, a maximum CPU boost clock increase to 5.20GHz, and a 10% performance uplift for the built-in NPU to reach 55 TOPS.

The product stack consists of three distinct processor designs. The top-tier Ryzen AI Max+ PRO 495 features 16 cores and 32 threads, boosting up to 5.20GHz, a fully enabled 40-compute-unit iGPU (Radeon 8065S), 80MB of cache, and a 55 TOPS NPU. The mid-range Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 scales back to a 12-core, 24-thread configuration, clocking up to 5.00GHz, paired with a 32-compute-unit iGPU (Radeon 8050S), 76MB of cache, and a 50 TOPS NPU. The entry-level Ryzen AI Max PRO 485 maintains the 32-compute-unit iGPU (Radeon 8050S) and 50 TOPS NPU, but uses an 8-core, 16-thread CPU layout, boosting up to 5.00GHz and accompanied by 40MB of cache.

KitGuru says: These aren't for the general consumer yet, but consumer versions of these chips are expected at a later date. 

The post AMD announces Ryzen AI Max PRO 400 series processors for AI platforms first appeared on KitGuru.

We might be about to witness the most surprising collaboration in the history of x86 computing. The prospect of Intel and Nvidia collaborating on a single SoC is something most would never have thought would happen. However, there are rumours that it might materialise under the Serpent Lake series of chips.

To summarise the chronological order of Intel's upcoming architectures, here's a reminder of what to expect. Following the launch of Nova Lake in late 2026, the focus shifts to Razer Lake-AX in 2027. Then, we'll have Titan Lake and its Serpent Lake branch in 2028/2029, followed by Hammer Lake as the successor in the post-2029 landscape.

According to Jaykihn (via ITHome), the specialised branch of the Titan Lake family known as Serpent Lake will rival AMD's “Halo” series in 2028 or 2029. As per the same source, the highlight of Serpent Lake is the integration of a dedicated Nvidia RTX GPU tile. While Intel has made significant strides with its own graphics architectures, partnering with Nvidia for a high-end SoC would effectively leapfrog years of development to tackle AMD's “Halo” APU designs head-on.

Beyond this supposed GPU partnership, Intel's roadmap for its core architectures is becoming increasingly dense as we look toward the late 2020s.

KitGuru says: An Intel CPU with an NVIDIA RTX tile sounds like something out of a tech enthusiast's fever dream. 

The post Intel Serpent Lake rumored to feature Nvidia RTX GPU tile first appeared on KitGuru.

Our review of this HP Zbook Ultra G1a features the AMD Strix Halo APU which was announced at CES 2025. Despite its age this is the most powerful APU that money can buy, and both the CPU and graphics are truly impressive. To make things interesting we put the HP laptop head-to-head with Intel’s brand new Panther Lake Core Ultra X9 388H so we could see the best integrated graphics in action.

Timestamps

00:00 Start
00:52 AMD Ryzen AI Max+ Series
03:36 Intel Core Ultra Series 3 thoughts
04:19 A quick test or 2
06:32 Physical Size / Battery
07:37 Connectors / Keyboard / Looks
08:33 Hardware
09:17 Comparisons and Performance Hardware
11:13 GeekBench 6 Multi Core
13:20 Geekbench 6 Single Core
13:53 Cinebench 2026 Multi Core / Points Per watt
14:44 Cinebench 2026 Single Core
15:24 Cinebench 2024 Multi Core
15:54 Cinebench 2024 Single Core
16:15 Cinebench R23 Multi Core
16:34 Cinebench R23 Single Core
16:44 7-Zip V25 Benchmark
16:56 Aida64 Memory Bandwidth
17:09 3DMark Fire Strike
17:52 Assassins Creed Mirage
19:57 FarCry 6
21:48 Cyberpunk 2077
24:21 PCMark 10 Battery Test
25:05 Closing Thoughts

Main Features

• PRO Processor: Take charge of your work with the latest AMD Ryzen AI MAX processors, delivering cutting-edge CPU capabilities.
• Integrated graphics: Experience ultra-powered performance, power through AI demanding workflows with AMD Radeon graphics and dedicated AI accelerators.
• LPDDR5X-8533 MT/s Memory: Up to 128GB of memory. The unified memory architecture allows you to allocate up to 96GB of memory exclusively to the GPU.
• Impressive expandability: Blitz through multiple tasks and ditch external drives with slots for up to 4TB local storage.
• Up to 50 TOPS: Ensure smooth and responsive operation, tackle more and more demanding tasks, with the power to run AI locally.
• All day battery life: Maximise your productivity with a long-lasting battery life, with HP Fast Charge reaching up to 50% in only 30 mins.
• HP Smart Sense: Optimise your comfort and performance with an AI tool that adapts to your use. Adjust fan noise, conserve energy, and regulate CPU temperature for an optimal PC experience.
• HP AI Companion: Enhance your productivity with a range of AI tools and solutions designed to simplify your daily tasks and keep you efficient throughout the day.

Specification

• Processor: AMD Ryzen AI Max+ PRO 395 (up to 5.1 GHz max boost clock, 64 MB L3 cache, 16 cores, 32 threads)
• Integrated graphics: AMD Radeon 8060S (40 cores, 32GB memory)
• Neural processing unit: AMD Ryzen AI (50 NPU TOPS)
• Memory: 128GB LPDDR5x-8533 MT/s (onboard)
• Display: 14-inch touchscreen, 2.8K (2880 x 1800), OLED, 120Hz, 400 nits, 100% DCI-P3
• Internal storage: 2TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe TLC SSD
• Wireless: MediaTek Wi-Fi 7 MT7925 (2×2) and Bluetooth 5.4
• Ports (left side):
  • 1x USB Type-C 10Gbps (USB Power Delivery, DisplayPort 2.1)
  • 1x HDMI 2.1
  • 1x Headphone/microphone combo
  • 1x Thunderbolt 4 (USB Type-C 40Gbps, DisplayPort 2.1)
• Ports (right side):
  • 1x USB Type-A 10Gbps
  • 1x Thunderbolt 4 (USB Type-C 40Gbps, DisplayPort 2.1)
  • Kensington lock slot
• Camera: 5MP IR
• Audio: Poly Studio; 4 integrated stereo speakers (1W / 8 ohm per speaker) with discrete amplifiers; 2 integrated dual-array digital microphones
• Dimensions: 31.2 cm (W) x 21.5 cm (D) x 1.8 cm (H)
• Weight: 1.58 kg (plus 0.53 kg charger)
• Power adapter: 140W USB Type-C
• Battery: HP XL-Long Life 4-cell, 74.5Wh polymer
• Operating system: Windows 11 Pro

Testing and Performance

Geekbench 6 Multi Core

In Geekbench 6 Multi Core we see the HP Zbook in an effective tie with the Asus Zenbook Duo and Intel Panther Lake. This indicates that Core Ultra X9 388H has something extra that makes up for the lack of pure CPU grunt.

Cinebench 2026 Multi Core

This is the result we expected in Cinebench 2026 Multi Core with the AMD Strix Halo powering the HP Zbook to a clear victory by a massive margin.

AIDA64 Memory Bandwidth

The HP Zbook  is loaded with a massive 128GB of LPDDR5x-8533 and the Strix Halo has a quad channnel memory controller which combine in AIDA64 Memory Bandwidth to deliver a decisive victory.

Far Cry 6 at 1,280×800 on Ultra Preset

We show a number of gaming tests in our video. This particular test shows a low resolution with the clever image enhancements disabled, and the result is the HP Zbook runs at over 100fps on average which is impressive.

Cyberpunk 2077 at 2,880×1,800 with Frame Generation Enabled

Cyberpunk 2077 is a stiff test for any laptop and 2,880×1,800 is a huge resolution so it comes as quite a surprise to see the HP Zbook using Frame Generation to play at nearly 100fps.

Battery Life

The HP Zbook does well in our battery test and shows that you can work all day on a single battery charge. Having said that, you will want to take the charger with you to guarantee you get maximum performance.

Closing Thoughts

If KitGuru were to invent an award for Most Stealthy and Under Stated Product Ever, the HP Zbook Ultra G1a would make the list and would likely win the award. It looks like a dull, grey 14-inch laptop that is thin and light yet it packs the most amazing punch and delivers epic performance from the AMD Strix Halo APU without any need for add-in graphics.

You may have noticed in our video that we barely discuss operating temperatures and don't mention noise levels at all, and that is for good reason. The innards typically run at 60 degrees C on battery and 70 degrees C on charger, and the cooling system wasn't the least bit intrusive. It is a remarkable laptop that is mainly held back by its hefty £3k+ price tag and slightly affected by the annoying amount of HP software.

You can buy the HP Zbook Ultra G1a for £3,204 HERE.

Pros:

• Epic CPU and GPU performance from AMD AI Max+ PRO 395.
• Impressive battery life for a mobile workstation.
• Compact form factor that is highly portable.
• Huge memory bandwidth from quad channel DDR5.

Cons:

• Very expensive.
• 3rd party monitoring utilities continue to be confused by AMD APUs.
• HP includes a number of pieces of software instead of a single utility.

KitGuru says: The HP Zbook Ultra G1a is deeply impressive and shows we can live without Nvidia graphics.

The post HP Zbook Ultra G1a Review (Strix Halo) first appeared on KitGuru.