TL;DR
At CES 2026 AMD introduced the Ryzen AI 400 Series processors and a new Ryzen 7 9850X3D gaming chip, positioning AI capabilities across general-purpose and gaming PCs. AMD cited performance gains versus competitors and said systems with the new chips will begin shipping in Q1 2026.
What happened
During her CES keynote, AMD Chair and CEO Lisa Su presented the company’s latest push to embed AI into consumer PCs. AMD revealed the Ryzen AI 400 Series, an update to the earlier Ryzen AI 300 Series, and touted higher multitasking and content-creation performance compared with rival chips. The new Ryzen AI 400 Series parts are described as having 12 CPU cores and 24 threads. Rahul Tikoo, AMD’s senior vice president and general manager for the client business, said the company has expanded to more than 250 AI PC platforms — roughly double the count from a year earlier. AMD also introduced the Ryzen 7 9850X3D, aimed at gaming, and announced an updated Redstone ray-tracing technology. AMD says PCs featuring either the Ryzen AI 300 Series or the Ryzen 7 9850X3D will be available in the first quarter of 2026.
Why it matters
- AMD is pushing AI capabilities into mainstream PCs, signaling broader integration of on-device AI features for everyday tasks.
- Performance claims target both productivity (multitasking, content creation) and gaming markets, potentially influencing OEM system choices.
- Growth to 250+ AI PC platforms suggests accelerating OEM adoption of AMD’s AI-focused hardware.
- Updated ray-tracing tech could affect game visuals and developer support without sacrificing performance, per AMD’s announcement.
Key facts
- AMD announced the Ryzen AI 400 Series processors at CES 2026.
- Company claims the new Ryzen AI 400 Series delivers up to 1.3x faster multitasking and up to 1.7x faster content-creation performance versus competitors.
- The Ryzen AI 400 Series chips are described as featuring 12 CPU cores and 24 threads.
- The Ryzen AI 400 Series is presented as an upgrade to the Ryzen AI 300 Series introduced in 2024.
- AMD reported expansion to over 250 AI PC platforms, a roughly 2x increase year-over-year, according to Rahul Tikoo.
- AMD also introduced the Ryzen 7 9850X3D, a new gaming-focused processor.
- AMD announced an updated version of its Redstone ray-tracing technology at the event.
- Systems with either the Ryzen AI 300 Series or the Ryzen 7 9850X3D are expected to be available in Q1 2026.
What to watch next
- Availability and OEM system listings for Ryzen AI 400 Series machines in Q1 2026 (confirmed in the source).
- Adoption rate and configurations among the more than 250 AI PC platforms AMD referenced (confirmed growth to 250+ platforms).
- Real-world performance comparisons and independent benchmarks versus competitor processors (not confirmed in the source).
- Pricing, battery life impact, and thermal characteristics for laptops using the new AI chips (not confirmed in the source).
Quick glossary
- CPU core: An individual processing unit within a central processing unit (CPU) that can execute program instructions. More cores can improve multitasking and parallel processing.
- Thread: A sequence of programmed instructions that the CPU can manage independently; multiple threads allow a core to handle several instruction streams.
- Ray tracing: A graphics rendering technique that simulates the physical behavior of light to produce more realistic lighting and reflections in images and games.
- AI PC: A personal computer designed with hardware and software optimizations intended to run artificial intelligence features locally or more efficiently.
Reader FAQ
When will systems with these new AMD chips be available?
AMD said PCs with either the Ryzen AI 300 Series or the Ryzen 7 9850X3D will be available in the first quarter of 2026.
How do the Ryzen AI 400 Series chips perform versus rivals?
AMD claims up to 1.3x faster multitasking and up to 1.7x faster content-creation performance versus competitors.
Is the Ryzen AI 400 Series a replacement for the 300 Series?
The company presented the Ryzen AI 400 Series as an upgrade to the Ryzen AI 300 Series introduced in 2024.
What are the prices for the new processors?
not confirmed in the source
AMD Chair and CEO Lisa Su kicked off her keynote at CES 2026 with a message about what compute could deliver: AI for everyone. As part of that promise, AMD…
Sources
- AMD unveils new AI PC processors for general use and gaming at CES
- AMD Expands AI Leadership Across Client, Graphics, and …
- AMD's New Ryzen AI 400 CPUs Will Put More AI Muscle …
- AMD unveils new AI chips at CES event in Las Vegas
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