After much anticipation, the AMD Strix Halo chip makes its debut in a GPD handheld prototype. The device was recently spotted on the social media platform QQ, where it was shared by tech leaker HXL (@9550pro), showing off the device described as the GPD STX Halo handheld prototype.

GPD STX Halo

This prototype features the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 (Strix Halo) APU, which promises to offer significant power for mobile gaming. Preliminary benchmarks reveal its capability to achieve scores comparable to systems with the RTX 4060 mobile GPU. The device is recognized for its robust performance, boasting 10,366 in the 3DMark TimeSpy benchmark, which is three times more powerful than its predecessor, the GPD Win 4.

The chip’s architecture consists of an RDNA 3.5 GPU with 40 Compute Units and 16 CPU cores, managing at a maximum power of 120 W. However, maintaining optimal performance without exceeding typical handheld power demands remains to be addressed. Cary Golomb, a systems engineer, mentioned that the chip’s bandwidth limit settles around 45 W for 1080p gaming, which could make plugging in devices crucial for performance.

In essence, while the Strix Halo is exceptionally powerful, its application in handheld devices prompts concerns regarding pricing and usability for the average gamer. AMD’s advancements, however, hold promise for both mini PCs and workstations, making the future of gaming hardware an exciting prospect.