AMD's New Naming Strategy: A Shift Inspired by Intel

In a move that echoes Intel's recent changes, AMD is rebranding its Ryzen CPUs. This rebranding effort, aimed at simplifying and modernizing its product names, involves transitioning from a long, complex product string to a more concise three-digit part number. A key element of this new branding is the incorporation of the term everyone is buzzing about: AI.

Introduction of Strix Point CPUs

The rebranding begins with AMD's upcoming Strix Point CPUs, featuring the new Zen 5 architecture. These processors will be distinguished by the "Ryzen AI" label, highlighting their advanced AI capabilities. The change from a four-digit product identifier, which included details such as the year of release and architectural specifics, to a streamlined three-digit system is designed to match Intel's recent approach with its Meteor Lake CPUs.

A "Reset" on Naming Conventions

AMD refers to this change as a "reset" of its naming conventions. The new scheme starts with the 300 series for the Strix Point CPUs. Despite the rebranding, these CPUs will still be categorized into different performance tiers, maintaining some continuity for users. Below is an overview of the new naming structure:

- 300 series: Initial lineup for Strix Point CPUs with Ryzen AI branding - Performance tiers: Maintained through suffixes (e.g., HX for high power, HS for efficiency)

The Rationale Behind the 300 Series

Although this represents a reset, AMD is commencing the new naming convention with the 300 series. This decision is linked to Strix Point being the third generation of Ryzen AI, following the 7000 and 8000 series, both of which incorporated a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU). This chronological progression is intended to reflect the evolution of AMD’s AI technology, despite creating a slight mismatch with Intel's naming, which began at the 100 series for Meteor Lake.

AMD's new naming scheme is forward-looking, not retroactively applied to existing Ryzen 7000 and 8000 parts. Future generations will see AMD's numbering system advancing slightly ahead of Intel's.

Focus on Mobile Products

It's important to note that this rebranding affects only AMD's mobile CPUs. Desktop processors, even those equipped with Ryzen AI NPUs, will retain the existing naming conventions. This selective application underscores AMD's strategic focus on the mobile market segment, where clarity and simplicity in product names are crucial.

Entering the AI PC Era

As AMD steps into the AI PC era, the Ryzen brand remains strong. The new naming update is a strategic move to enhance its mobile product lineup's clarity and marketability. The previous naming conventions had become convoluted, making this update a welcome simplification. With this change, AMD aims to make its product offerings more understandable and appealing to consumers, paving the way for a smoother transition into an AI-integrated future.