AMD announced the Ryzen Z1 processor series, which the manufacturer offers for compact gaming systems. The chips use computing cores with Zen 4 architecture and offer integrated graphics based on RDNA 3.

The new line includes two models – Ryzen Z1 and Ryzen Z1 Extreme. The base chip has 6 cores with SMT support, which allows simultaneous processing of up to 12 data streams, and is equipped with 22 MB of cache memory (6 MB L2 + 16 MB L3). An integrated graphics core with 4 CU provides computing performance up to 2.8 TFLOPS.

In turn, the older model Ryzen Z1 Extreme has a functional formula of 8/16 with a cache memory with a total capacity of 24 MB. At the same time, the chip is equipped with graphics with 12 CU with a declared performance of up to 8.6 TFLOPS. For comparison, AMD’s presentation slide lists the graphics processing power of the processor used for the Nintendo Switch as 0.4 TFLOPS. As they say: “feel the difference”.

Both new AMD processors have a configurable TDP – 15-30 W (cTDP), support LPDDR5/LPDDR5X standard memory and USB4 data transfer interface.

At first glance, the chips of the Ryzen Z1 series seem to be derived from mobile chips Ryzen 7040, or to be more precise, the announced economic U-series of this line. However, of course, in the versions for portable consoles, the parameters of the processors can be significantly changed. First of all, this concerns the features of the microcode.

One way or another, we are dealing with quite powerful solutions in their class. Moreover, AMD representatives are ready to share information about the practical capabilities of the chips. According to the developers, Ryzen Z1 and Ryzen Z1 Extreme can provide decent performance even in heavy projects when using 1920×1080 resolution and low quality settings. In particularly resource-intensive games, the younger model Ryzen Z1 lags a bit, but let’s emphasize that we are talking about full-fledged PC versions of games. At the same time, it is clear that for portable consoles with a 7-inch screen, certain relaxations are allowed in terms of performance requirements.

However, AMD already has a “recipe” that will allow you to get the desired 60+ frames/s on platforms with new processors. Using Radeon Super Resolution (RSR) technology with upscaling from 720p to 1080p, the Ryzen Z1 Extreme is quite capable of providing this level of performance. The capabilities of the younger model of the series are somewhat more modest, but the difference is much smaller than one might expect, judging by the claimed TFLOPS.

Initially, the Ryzen Z1 chips will be exclusive to the ASUS ROG Ally console, after some time, AMD will be ready to offer processors to other companies willing to join the new race of portable game consoles. It looks like the Steam Deck will soon have to give room to it.

As for the first bearer of the new chips – ASUS ROG Ally, on May 11, the ASUS company should officially announce the prices and dates for the start of sales of its console.