AMD Quietly Steals the Spotlight at CES 2026 With Powerful New Ryzen CPUs
While Intel and Qualcomm arrive at CES 2026 loudly promoting their next-generation lightweight laptop processors, AMD takes a more understated but strategic approach. The company is unveiling a broad lineup of new CPUs designed for laptops, desktops, and gaming-focused devices. Leading the charge is the AMD Ryzen AI 400 series, which is expected to appear in a wide range of laptops throughout 2026.
AMD Ryzen AI 400 Series Targets Copilot+ PCs
The Ryzen AI 400 series continues AMD’s push into AI-enabled computing, following the success of the 300 series from 2024. These processors use AMD’s efficient Zen 5 CPU architecture and deliver optimized performance for Copilot+ PCs and modern productivity workloads.
At the top of the lineup sits the Ryzen AI 9 HX 475, featuring 12 cores and 24 threads with boost speeds up to 5.2GHz. AMD says this chip delivers improved multitasking compared to the previous generation. Graphics are handled by 16 RDNA 3.5 GPU cores clocked at up to 3.1GHz. While it does not include RDNA 4, the design prioritizes efficiency and balanced performance.
The flagship model also integrates an NPU capable of up to 60 TOPS (trillions of operations per second). While TOPS figures can be misleading when comparing AI performance across platforms, the NPU still provides ample power for on-device AI features.
Most mainstream laptops will likely ship with the Ryzen AI 7 450, an eight-core processor with boost speeds up to 5.1GHz, 24MB of cache, and a 50 TOPS NPU. AMD positions this chip as a strong balance between performance, battery life, and sustainability.
Focus on Efficiency and Battery Life
AMD describes the Ryzen AI 400 series as a refined update rather than a dramatic leap. The company claims these x86 processors can deliver “multi-day” battery life, depending on system configuration. This emphasis on energy efficiency aligns with eco-friendly design goals by reducing power consumption without sacrificing usability.
Ryzen AI Max Series Emerges as a Gaming Dark Horse
The real surprise for 2026 may be the Ryzen AI Max and Max+ series, which push integrated graphics performance far beyond traditional expectations. These APUs combine CPU, GPU, and AI acceleration into a single efficient chip, reducing the need for power-hungry discrete components.
Notable models include the Ryzen AI Max+ 392 and Max+ 388. The eight-core, 16-thread 388 model includes 40 graphics compute units—the same as the higher-end Max+ 395. AMD has already demonstrated the gaming potential of this architecture in devices like the Framework Desktop and ASUS ROG Flow Z13.
According to AMD’s senior vice president of client business, Rahul Tikoo, the Ryzen AI Max+ 388 is specifically designed for gamers. AMD suggests these chips could power affordable gaming laptops, handheld gaming PCs, or even compact console-style systems capable of smooth 1440p and 4K gaming.
Desktop Gaming Gets a Boost With Ryzen 7 9850X3D
For high-end desktop gaming, AMD is refreshing its flagship processor with the Ryzen 7 9850X3D. This chip builds on the highly regarded 9800X3D, retaining the eight-core Zen 5 design and 3D V-Cache technology while increasing boost speeds to 5.6GHz.
AMD claims gaming performance gains of up to 32% in select titles, including Cyberpunk 2077 and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. Although the upgrade over its predecessor is modest, the Ryzen 7 9850X3D continues to rank among the most efficient and powerful gaming CPUs available.
AMD’s Sustainable Strategy for 2026
Rather than chasing headline-grabbing specs, AMD’s CES 2026 strategy emphasizes efficiency, versatility, and long-term value. By combining strong CPU performance, capable integrated graphics, and AI acceleration in power-efficient designs, AMD continues to deliver hardware that supports modern workloads while reducing overall energy use.
