AMD kicked off CES 2026 by unveiling its latest generation of AI-powered PC processors, the Ryzen AI 400 Series, alongside a new gaming-focused chip, the Ryzen 7 9850X3D. CEO Lisa Su emphasized the company's vision of bringing "AI for everyone" to personal computing, marking a significant step in integrating artificial intelligence into everyday tasks and high-performance gaming.
At the annual CES conference on Monday, AMD officially introduced the Ryzen AI 400 Series processors. These chips, touted as the latest iteration of AMD's AI-powered PC technology, promise substantial performance gains. According to AMD, the new Ryzen series offers 1.3 times faster multitasking and 1.7 times quicker content creation compared to its rivals. Each processor boasts 12 CPU cores and 24 threads, building upon the Ryzen AI 300 Series first launched in 2024. AMD's journey with the Ryzen processor line began in 2017.
Rahul Tikoo, Senior Vice President and General Manager of AMD's client business, highlighted the rapid expansion of AMD's AI PC ecosystem. During a recent press briefing, Tikoo noted that AMD now supports over 250 AI PC platforms, representing a twofold increase in the past year alone. He articulated AMD's long-term vision, stating:
"In the years ahead, AI is going to be a multi-layered fabric that gets woven into every level of computing at the personal layer. Our AI PCs and devices will transform how we work, how we play, how we create and how we connect with each other."
Beyond general computing, AMD also unveiled the Ryzen 7 9850X3D, its newest processor specifically engineered for gaming enthusiasts. This announcement was coupled with an update to AMD's Redstone ray tracing technology, designed to simulate realistic light behavior for enhanced video game graphics without compromising performance. Tikoo reiterated the pervasive influence of AI, adding:
"No matter who you are and how you use technology on a daily basis, AI is reshaping everyday computing. You have thousands of interactions with your PC every day. AI is able to understand, learn context, bring automation, provide deep reasoning and personal customization to every individual."
Both the Ryzen AI 400 Series and the Ryzen 7 9850X3D processors are expected to be available in PCs starting in the first quarter of 2026.
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