Could AM5 support Strix Halo with MCM APUs such as the AI Max 385 or Max+ 395?
Could AM5 support Strix Halo with MCM APUs such as the AI Max 385 or Max+ 395?
The term refers to a unified design where all components work together as one unit. It’s about moving away from separate CPU and GPU chips toward integrated solutions. This approach could simplify manufacturing and improve efficiency, especially for compact devices like laptops. The shift may also affect cost structures and performance trade-offs in the coming years.
RDNA4 represents a unified design, RDNA3's project appears to follow a similar path to HBM on consumer GPUs. AMD seems hesitant about the halo tier this year, suggesting they won't return soon. The performance needs of GPUs aren't always demanding enough for most users at 1080p resolution. Many people still prefer large MCM APUs over discrete GPUs for everyday tasks. This trend helps avoid supply problems while also pushing upgrade costs higher. Strix Halo and AMD's iGPUs are seen as the typical entry point for average users, a gap I haven't filled in about 20 years. Intel is pursuing this too, offering a strong new architecture with a solid iGPU; Strix Halo just adds another layer. Personally, I've always wanted a customizable console similar to PCs, moving beyond off-the-shelf options. Right now, I'm using the smallest possible setup that still delivers top-tier hardware, preferring compactness over average performance. This goal has driven me for over ten years, with an AMD 7850k board in a SFF case being just one step forward. I believe Strix Halo could be the key to making these processors more affordable without relying on console subsidies. Looking ahead, a higher-end variant should add no more than about $250 to the base cost. I think launching it first with a flagship model like the Flow Z13 makes sense, but budget versions would be ideal. There are also many unrealistic expectations about how these chips will perform; the current Flow Z13 doesn't even reach the power limits of this chip, which can be configured up to 120W. Testing with my Z1 Extreme and 8700G showed that TDP, VRM, and firmware play a crucial role.
In contrast to Strix Halo, its TDP is similar. The silicon in a dGPU could offer more power with higher wattage, yet achieving a 100+-20W sweet spot makes it an impressively efficient choice compared to most desktop PCs. Ideally I'd want something like the Minisforum BD795i using soldered Strix Halo parts but with this standard design. This would only be possible if socketed Strix Halo isn't practical due to size or RAM setup constraints.
I'm curious about whether the issue stemmed more from packaging than the chips themselves. I've heard TSMC is facing fewer wafer constraints now, with advanced packaging being the real bottleneck. Before RDNA4 was announced, whispers suggested they had higher-tier options, but those were reportedly dropped for some reason. Examining how the 9070 series performs, it seems AMD chose not to chase Nvidia's higher power GPU lines for consumer use. They also didn't aim for the Halo tier products. It appears laptop GPUs are mainly driven by gaming needs, though I don't know how many exist for business or workstation builds. Is GPU mining still relevant? The AI focus of Halo shifts its priorities, so resources are being reallocated. It seems Halo will become more personalized if it moves to laptops, while desktop GPUs could fit better in farms. Strix Point offers similar benefits with newer memory tech. Like Intel, they're showing signs of age, and the Series S might have limited impact on high-end gaming as we know it. Even new models are often seen as value deals, not premium performance. I'd like to see a high-end APU with at least two tiers above Halo's current output. A desktop model around 5070 or higher, delivering 200-250W, would be impressive—think of it as a powerful Windows gaming setup, comparable to consoles, especially if paired with 64GB RAM in a compact form. If SteamOS gains traction outside Deck, that could change things.
I find the unusual aspect of the dGPU tier concerning the halo version to be quite surprising—especially given its ability to handle 4K at high refresh rates and solid RT capabilities. I’d assign this tier specifically for the RTX 5080, 4090, and 5090 models. Lower-end options like the 7900 XTX perform well in rasterization but fall short on RT performance. It seems AMD might have decided to focus on the simpler rasterization side with adequate RT support.
For the games I play with, a compact device like a Strix Halo mini PC would suit most users. It offers solid performance for 1440p ultrawide games and even supports titles like Warframe in 4K medium. Regarding Z1 Extreme, its low power consumption limits its use in demanding games due to tight power constraints. The difference is clear: with up to 120W, the CPU can handle high boosts, making it suitable for modern gaming setups.
Strix Halo would be a great fit for most current titles, especially those running on older systems. Compared to Phoenix, which excels with lower power but struggles with higher-end demands, Strix Halo offers a better balance. The newer models still perform well in their category, though they’re approaching the limits of their design.
Considering their age and recent improvements in RAM and manufacturing, Strix Halo remains competitive. However, if it moves to AM5, it could become even more powerful than its current version. Overall, the trend is clear—they’re nearing the end of their prime, especially with the shift toward 16GB unified memory.
The laptop chips incorporate a more affordable processor already. For instance, the 5090 mobile adopts the chip from the 5080 desktop, featuring reduced power consumption and a varied memory setup.
Laptop dGPUs present many challenges because different components like the RTX 50xx used in desktops aren't identical. Each system has its own power limits (TDP) based on how the motherboard is built, which can reduce performance compared to a simpler laptop GPU at higher power. Thermal and power management between CPU and GPU also play a role in determining real-world limits. Similar issues appear with some APUs like the Strix Halo, offering a wide TDP range from 45 to 120W. Even a high-end model such as the Max+ 395 with 40 CU IOD but only 60W max TDP won't match the Max 385 with 32 CU IOD running at 120W. This problem is evident in recent Intel MacBook Pro models, where the i9 chip lagged behind the i7 due to suboptimal thermal and power handling.