The Ryzen 8040 series CPUs will be available in laptops by the end of March. However, not all 8040-series CPUs will have the NPU, particularly the cheaper models. AMD also plans to release its next-gen XDNA 2, which it claims will offer three times better performance for generative AI than Hawk Point. Among the products announced featuring the new processors is the 16-inch Acer Nitro V 16 gaming laptop, which will use the NPU for optimizing battery life and expanded power-management features.
Key takeaways:
- AMD has announced its new Ryzen 8040 series of mobile processors with on-chip AI acceleration, which is critical for mobile devices as it reduces the battery-draining nature of continual AI processing.
- All major computer manufacturers now include a neural processing unit (NPU) on their flagship processor's die. AMD's NPU, referred to as XDNA, was first included in the Ryzen 7040 series and offers improved performance in the new Ryzen 8040 series.
- The Ryzen 8040 series CPUs vary in terms of max boost, cores, threads, power class, and integrated graphics. However, not all CPUs in the series have the NPU, particularly the cheaper processors.
- Laptops with the first series of Hawk Point chips are expected to be available by the end of March. AMD also has its subsequent-gen XDNA 2 slated to ship to laptop manufacturers later in 2024, which it claims will offer three times better performance for generative AI over Hawk Point.