AMD Bolsters Z2 Mobile Processor Lineup with AI-Powered Extreme and Energy-Efficient A Chips

AMD has expanded its lineup of Ryzen Z2 hybrid processors (SoCs) designed for portable gaming devices. The series now includes two new offerings: the Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme and the Ryzen Z2 A, targeting different price points and user needs.

The flagship model, the Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme, builds upon the previously announced Z2 Extreme. Its key upgrade is the addition of a dedicated XDNA2 Neural Processing Unit (NPU) designed to handle AI workloads. This enables devices to run AI-powered features more effectively directly within games, such as real-time image enhancement or intelligent power management. The core specs remain unchanged: an 8-core/16-thread CPU based on the Zen 5 architecture, 16 RDNA 3.5 graphics compute units, and support for fast LPDDR5X-8000 memory. The chip operates within a 15-30W thermal envelope (TDP).

The second addition, the Ryzen Z2 A, targets the budget segment and devices prioritizing battery life. This model uses an older architecture: its CPU features 4 Zen 2 cores (8 threads), while the graphics are based on RDNA 2 with 8 compute units. Crucially, its thermal design power is significantly lower, at just 6-20W, promising extended battery runtime. It supports LPDDR5-6400 memory. In terms of specs, the Z2 A is positioned below the existing Z2 Go model and resembles the solutions found in some affordable handheld consoles.

This expansion of the Z2 series gives portable device manufacturers greater flexibility. They can now choose between a chip with a dedicated AI accelerator for advanced features or an energy-efficient solution for budget-friendly or ultra-mobile systems. The first devices powered by these new SoCs, including anticipated models from ASUS and refreshed versions of the Lenovo Legion Go, are expected to hit the market in late 2025.