AMD Debuts New AI PC Processors for Gaming & Productivity at CES
â–¼ Summary
– AMD’s CEO Lisa Su opened CES 2026 by emphasizing a vision of “AI for everyone,” positioning AI-powered personal computers as the future.
– The company announced the new Ryzen AI 400 Series processor, claiming it is 1.3x faster at multitasking and 1.7x faster at content creation than competitors.
– This new chip features 12 CPU cores and 24 threads, representing an upgrade from the Ryzen AI 300 Series launched in 2024.
– AMD has expanded to over 250 AI PC platforms, a growth of 2x over the past year, according to a senior company executive.
– PCs featuring the new Ryzen AI 400 Series or the gaming-focused Ryzen 7 9850X3D processor will become available in the first quarter of 2026.
At the forefront of personal computing innovation, AMD has unveiled its next-generation processors designed to bring advanced artificial intelligence capabilities directly to consumer desktops and laptops. The announcement, made during the company’s keynote at the annual CES technology showcase, signals a significant push to make AI an integral and accessible component of everyday computing. The newly launched Ryzen AI 400 Series processor promises substantial performance gains, reportedly enabling 1.3x faster multitasking and 1.7x quicker content creation compared to competing chips. This represents a direct upgrade from the Ryzen AI 300 Series, continuing a product lineage that began in 2017.
These powerful new chips are engineered with 12 CPU cores and 24 threads, providing the substantial parallel processing muscle required for demanding AI workloads and complex applications. Company executives emphasized that this hardware forms the foundation for a new era of intelligent personal computers. Rahul Tikoo, Senior Vice President and General Manager of AMD’s Client Business, highlighted the rapid ecosystem growth, noting that AMD has now expanded to support over 250 distinct AI PC platforms, a figure that has doubled in just the past year.
“The future of computing is deeply intertwined with artificial intelligence,” Tikoo stated. “We envision AI becoming a multi-layered fabric integrated into every level of personal technology. Our AI PCs are poised to fundamentally transform how people work, play, create, and connect with one another.” He further explained that these systems will move beyond simple task execution, learning user context to provide automation, deep reasoning, and a highly personalized experience across thousands of daily interactions.
Alongside the AI-focused chips, AMD also introduced the AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D, the latest iteration of its premium processor line engineered specifically for high-performance gaming. To enhance the visual experience for gamers, the company revealed an updated version of its Redstone ray tracing technology. This advancement more accurately simulates the physical behavior of light, allowing for richer, more realistic in-game graphics without introducing noticeable performance lag or reducing system speed.
Both the Ryzen AI 400 Series and the Ryzen 7 9850X3D processors are scheduled to become available in systems from various manufacturers starting in the first quarter of 2026. This dual launch strategy underscores AMD’s commitment to serving two critical market segments: productivity users and creators seeking AI-enhanced workflows, and gamers demanding the highest possible frame rates and visual fidelity.
(Source: TechCrunch)
