AMD Testing “Strix Halo” APU with 128GB Memory Configuration

Introduction

AMD is reportedly testing a new APU series called “Strix Halo,” which boasts an impressive 128GB memory configuration. While not officially confirmed by AMD, the Strix Halo is rumored to feature 16 Zen5 cores and up to 40 RDNA 3.5 Compute Units. Let’s dive into the details of this intriguing development.

Strix Halo: A New Frontier for Powerful APUs

The Strix Halo series aims to redefine the boundaries of performance for APUs. Unlike the mainstream Strix Point APU, which is set to launch next month, the Halo targets an entirely different power category.

High Memory Capacity and New Reference Platform

Shipping manifests reveal that AMD has begun testing a new reference platform for the Strix Halo. This platform utilizes the FP11 socket and is equipped with Maple Rev.B, supporting up to 120W power for the APU. Notably, it features support for an impressive 128GB of memory—a significant leap from previous tests that included only 64GB and 32GB variants.

Memory Configuration and Design Considerations

Leaked documents suggest that the Strix Halo supports a 256-bit memory bus and LPDDR5-8000 memory. Unlike Apple’s M-Series Silicon, AMD’s APU does not integrate memory on the package. Consequently, board design requirements will be larger. The largest LPDDR5X modules available are 128Gb (16GB) in capacity, implying that the Strix Halo would require at least eight modules around the APU.

Gaming Laptop Comparisons

While gaming laptop designs commonly use 16GB GDDR6 memory (2GB per module), the Strix Halo takes a different approach. Unlike these designs, which separate the CPU and discrete GPU and rely on system memory (either soldered or installed through modules), the Halo APU integrates its memory. Although it won’t match NVIDIA’s RTX 4080/4090 Laptop GPUs in gaming performance, the Strix Halo’s smaller footprint and simplified design may offer advantages in certain scenarios.

Package Design and Performance

The Halo package design combines two Zen 5 CCDs with a larger die primarily dedicated to graphics, memory controllers, and Infinity Cache. Various models are planned, featuring 6 to 16 Zen 5 cores and combining 16 to 40 RDNA 3.5 CU units. The flagship Halo version could potentially reach the performance level of an RTX 4070.

Strix Halo Variants (Speculation)

• Strix Halo

  • Cores: 16x Zen5, 12x Zen5, 8x Zen5
  • GPU: 40x RDNA3.5 CU
  • GPU-Class: RTX 4070
  • Memory (up to): 128GB LPDDR5x-8000
  • TDP: ~120W (?)

• Strix Halo

  • Cores: 12x Zen5, 8x Zen5
  • GPU: 32x RDNA3.5 CU
  • GPU-Class: RTX 4060
  • Memory (up to): LPDDR5x-8000
  • TDP: ~70W (?)

• Strix Halo

  • Cores: 8x Zen5, 6x Zen5
  • GPU: 24x RDNA3.5 CU, 32x RDNA3.5 CU (low freq)
  • GPU-Class: RTX 4050
  • Memory (up to): LPDDR5x-8000
  • TDP: ~55W (?)

• Strix Halo (LP)

  • Cores: 8x Zen5, 6x Zen5
  • GPU: 20x RDNA3.5 CUs
  • GPU-Class: RTX 3050 Perf/W
  • Memory (up to): LPDDR5x-8000
  • TDP: ~45W (?)

• Strix Point

  • Cores: 12 (4x Zen5c, 8x Zen5)
  • GPU: 16x RDNA3.5 CU
  • GPU-Class: To Be Confirmed (TBC)
  • Memory (up to): LPDDR5x-7500
  • TDP: ~28W (?)