AMD Doubles down on AI at CES 2026, ushering in a New Era of Personal Computing
Lisa Su, CEO of AMD, opened her CES 2026 keynote with a bold vision: bringing the power of AI to everyone. This promise was instantly backed by substantial hardware announcements, signaling AMD’s commitment to AI-powered personal computers as the future of computing.
Introducing the Ryzen AI 400 Series: A Leap Forward in Performance
AMD unveiled the Ryzen AI 400 Series processor, the latest iteration of its AI-focused PC chips, at the annual CES conference on Monday. The company claims this new series delivers a significant performance boost, offering 1.3x faster multitasking compared to competitors.Moreover, content creators will experience a 1.7x speed increase in their workflows.
These processors boast extraordinary specifications, including 12 CPU cores and 24 threads for enhanced processing capabilities. This represents a notable upgrade from the Ryzen AI 300 Series, launched in 2024, and builds upon AMD’s Ryzen processor legacy which began in 2017.
Expanding the AI Ecosystem
Rahul Tikoo, senior vice president and general manager of AMD’s client business, highlighted the company’s rapid growth in the AI PC space. AMD now supports over 250 AI PC platforms, doubling its offerings in just one year.
“in the years ahead, AI is going to be a multi-layered fabric woven into every level of personal computing,” Tikoo explained. “Our AI PCs and devices will transform how you work, play, create, and connect.”
Gaming Gets a Boost with the Ryzen 7 9850X3D
Beyond general computing,AMD also announced the Ryzen 7 9850X3D,the newest version of its gaming-focused processor. This release demonstrates AMD’s dedication to enhancing the gaming experience through cutting-edge technology.
Tikoo emphasized the pervasive impact of AI, stating, ”No matter who you are and how you use technology daily, AI is reshaping everyday computing.” He further explained that AI can understand your needs, learn from context, automate tasks, and provide personalized experiences across thousands of daily PC interactions.
Availability and What This Means for You
PCs equipped with either the ryzen AI 300 series or the Ryzen 7 9850X3D will be available in the first quarter of 2026. This means you’ll soon have access to a new generation of computers designed to leverage the power of AI.
Enhanced Visuals with Redstone Ray Tracing
AMD didn’t stop at processors. The company also revealed the latest version of its Redstone ray tracing technology. This technology simulates the physical behavior of light, resulting in more realistic and immersive video game graphics without sacrificing performance.
here’s a quick recap of the key announcements:
* Ryzen AI 400 series: Faster multitasking and content creation with integrated AI capabilities.
* Ryzen 7 9850X3D: Enhanced performance for gamers.
* Expanded AI Platform Support: Over 250 AI PC platforms now available.
* Redstone Ray Tracing: Improved graphics fidelity in games.
These announcements solidify AMD’s position as a leader in the AI revolution, promising a future where AI seamlessly integrates into your daily computing experience. Stay tuned to TechCrunch for continued coverage of CES 2026 and the latest innovations in technology.
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