AMD Ryzen Z3 leaks: RDNA 4m GPU may be a refined RDNA 3.5 architecture
The upcoming AMD Ryzen Z3 series, designed for handheld gaming devices, is reportedly not getting a full-scale RDNA 4 GPU. Instead, leaks suggest the chips will utilize a modified architecture dubbed RDNA 4m, which is described by insiders as being more akin to RDNA 3.5 than the desktop-class Radeon RX 9000 series.
Medusa Point Architecture and GPU Capabilities
The new AMD chips are expected to be based on a semi-custom Medusa Point architecture, combining Zen 6 cores with low-power Zen 5 LP cores. According to leakers Gotou_3rd and CaptainMcShotgun, the lineup will likely include at least two variants: the standard Ryzen Z3 and the higher-performance Ryzen Z3 Extreme.
One rumored configuration features four Zen 6 cores and two Zen 5 LP cores (12 threads total), paired with 12 RDNA 4m compute units (CUs). While the name suggests a generational leap, leaker Kepler_L2 suggests the architecture is essentially an evolution of RDNA 3.5. However, there is a significant potential upside: the GPU may include RDNA 4-style ALUs for matrix operations. If confirmed, this would enable official support for FSR 4 AI upscaling in full FP32 mode, providing a vital performance boost for handheld gaming.
Form Factor and Power Limits
A major shift is expected in the physical footprint of the silicon. While the previous Ryzen Z2 Extreme utilized the 25 x 40mm FP8 package, the Z3 series is rumored to adopt the smaller 25 x 25mm FF6 package. This reduction in size could allow manufacturers to allocate more internal space for larger batteries or improved cooling solutions in upcoming handhelds.
Power management will also differ between the models. The Ryzen Z3 Extreme is expected to operate with a TDP of up to 25W, whereas the standard Ryzen Z3 is aimed at a 15W limit. This distinction suggests a move toward more diverse handheld categories, including ultra-portable, high-endurance devices alongside more powerful gaming machines.
As with all leaks from sources like Gotou_3rd and CaptainMcShotton, these details remain unconfirmed. While the technical specifics provided by Kepler_L2 add a layer of credibility, AMD's final hardware roadmap remains subject to change.
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