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AMD is reportedly gearing up for a big showing at CES 2026, with new Zen 5-based Ryzen CPUs and APUs tipped to arrive. Leaks point to fresh X3D processors and high-end integrated graphics chips aimed at the AM5 platform — a potential headline moment early next year.
What to expect at CES: new X3D chips and Zen 5 APUs
According to multiple leaks, AMD plans to unveil two new Ryzen 9000 X3D SKUs and a lineup of Zen 5 APUs at CES in the first half of January. The rumored lineup includes the Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 and Ryzen 7 9850X3D, alongside Ryzen 9000G (or possibly 10000G) APUs codenamed Krackan Point and Strix Point for AM5.
Highlights from the leaks: cache, clocks and integrated graphics
- Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 — Reportedly packing up to 192 MB of L3 cache (a 64 MB increase over prior X3D parts) with slightly lower boost clocks versus the current 9950X3D.
- Ryzen 7 9850X3D — Expected to keep a single 3D V-Cache CCD but gain roughly a 400 MHz boost over the 9800X3D.
- Ryzen 9000G APUs — Zen 5-based AM5 APUs (Krackan Point and Strix Point) may deliver the fastest desktop integrated graphics yet, with RDNA 3.5-based silicon and Strix Point rumored to scale to 12 cores / 24 threads and Radeon 890M-equivalent graphics.
A closer look: why dual 3D cache and Zen 5 APUs matter
Imagine a Ryzen desktop chip with two CCDs each sporting 3D V-Cache — that configuration could shift single-threaded and gaming performance in meaningful ways while Zen 5's efficiency and higher IPC improve multi-threaded workloads. For mainstream users, faster desktop APUs with RDNA 3.5-class integrated graphics mean smoother gaming and creative workflows without a discrete GPU.
Performance trade-offs and platform continuity
The rumors suggest AMD is balancing cache increases and clock speeds: the 9950X3D2 may trade a bit of peak boost frequency for a big L3 cache uplift, while other SKUs keep similar memory support and TDP targets. AM5 remains the platform, with DDR5 support and RDNA-based integrated GPU blocks maintained across the family.
How confident should we be?
Leaked SKU lists and multiple corroborating sources give these claims a reasonable probability, but specifics like final clock speeds, pricing and exact GPU configurations will only be confirmed at AMD's announcement. Still, past CES reveals from AMD suggest the timing is plausible.
Whether you're shopping for a high-end desktop CPU or waiting for a powerful all-in-one APU, CES 2026 could be an important moment for AMD's Zen 5 roadmap. Stay tuned for official specs and benchmarks when the company takes the stage.
Source: wccftech
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