AMD’s Donny Woligroski Talks AM4 Longevity, AM5’s Future, Ryzen 9000, and Mobile Gaming at Computex

The bustling Computex show floor served as the backdrop for an insightful interview with Donny Woligroski, AMD’s Senior Technical Marketing Manager. Adam, representing PCWorld, managed to secure some time with Woligroski to delve into various topics ranging from the astonishing lifespan of the AM4 socket to the future of mobile PC gaming. The conversation provided a glimpse into AMD’s strategy and vision for the PC market, highlighting their commitment to supporting existing platforms while pushing forward with new technologies.

AM4: A Legacy of Longevity and Value

The interview kicked off with a discussion about AMD’s continued support for the AM4 socket. Surprisingly, AMD announced the release of two more AM4 chips, following the two already revealed at CES earlier in the year. This brings the total number of chips supported by the AM4 socket to an impressive 145 over its seven-year lifespan.

Adam was keen to understand AMD’s rationale behind continuing to produce AM4 chips even with the newer AM5 platform available. Woligroski’s response was straightforward and pragmatic: "Why do we make it? Because there’s a market and we have the material…if we can make something good that people will use, that makes sense for some people, why wouldn’t we make it?"

This statement underscores AMD’s commitment to catering to a wide range of customers. While AM5 represents the future of AMD’s desktop platform, AM4 continues to offer a compelling value proposition for budget-conscious users or those looking to upgrade existing systems without a complete overhaul. The availability of new AM4 chips ensures that these users have access to modern features and performance improvements at an affordable price point.

AM5: Extended Support on the Horizon

The conversation then shifted to the AM5 socket, AMD’s current desktop platform. Woligroski confirmed that AMD intends to provide extended support for AM5 through 2027, echoing the longevity enjoyed by the AM4 platform.

When asked about the reasons for this extended support, Woligroski explained that the current technological landscape allows for it. "…the next generation of DDR, or the things that would necessitate a new platform — we don’t see that hitting any time soon. So that gives us runway to keep the platform going, just like we do with AM4.”

This suggests that AMD doesn’t foresee any imminent major technological shifts that would necessitate a new socket design. This allows them to continue improving performance and features within the existing AM5 infrastructure, providing users with a longer upgrade path and a greater return on their investment. The continued use of DDR5 memory also plays a role in this decision.

Ryzen 9000: Details Remain Under Wraps

The upcoming Ryzen 9000 series of desktop processors, scheduled for release in July, was another hot topic. However, Woligroski remained tight-lipped about specific details, particularly regarding pricing.

Adam, representing the audience’s curiosity, pressed for information on the pricing strategy. As expected, Woligroski offered no concrete answers, a common practice in the industry to avoid giving competitors an advantage.

While specific pricing details are still unknown, the Ryzen 9000 series is expected to deliver significant performance improvements over its predecessors, further solidifying AMD’s position in the high-performance desktop market. Tech enthusiasts eagerly await the official launch to learn more about the architecture, specifications, and pricing.

"Ryzen AI": A New Era for Mobile Processors

The interview also touched upon AMD’s new "Ryzen AI" branding for their laptop chips. Adam questioned whether the focus on AI was significant enough to warrant a complete branding change.

Woligroski responded affirmatively, emphasizing the growing importance of AI in modern computing. “I think it is. If you look at what our partners are doing, like Microsoft, they’re really committed to adding functionality that would use an NPU that makes a difference in how a person uses their PC. This is a part of that. That’s another reason this is a whole new naming scheme, we’re denoting here this is something different.”

This indicates that AMD is positioning its Ryzen AI chips as a key enabler of AI-powered features in laptops. The integration of a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) allows these chips to accelerate AI tasks, improving performance in areas such as image processing, video editing, and voice recognition. This move aligns with the industry trend of incorporating AI capabilities directly into processors, enhancing the user experience and enabling new applications.

Mobile Gaming: The Future of Handhelds

Finally, Adam broached the topic of handheld gaming PCs like the Steam Deck and ROG Ally, a niche he clearly has a passion for. He inquired about the potential for new silicon designed specifically for these devices, given that the current chips are over a year old.

Adam specifically asked, “In the ROG Ally and the Lenovo Legion Go we have the [Ryzen] Z1. Can we expect a Z2, or a Z2 Extreme, anytime soon?”

Unfortunately for Adam (and perhaps the entire handheld gaming community), Woligroski remained elusive. "I’m so sorry Adam. I cannot comment on future products."

While no concrete information was revealed, the question itself highlights the growing popularity and importance of handheld gaming PCs. These devices offer a compelling blend of portability and performance, allowing gamers to enjoy AAA titles on the go. The demand for more powerful and efficient chips in this segment is likely to drive innovation in the future, and AMD is undoubtedly aware of this trend.

Conclusion: A Vision for the Future

The interview with Donny Woligroski provided valuable insights into AMD’s current strategy and future plans. Their continued support for AM4 demonstrates their commitment to providing value and choice to a wide range of customers. The extended support for AM5 signifies their belief in the platform’s longevity and potential. The focus on AI with the new "Ryzen AI" branding highlights their commitment to incorporating cutting-edge technologies into their products.

While some details, such as the pricing of the Ryzen 9000 series and the future of mobile gaming chips, remain undisclosed, the interview paints a picture of a company that is both innovative and customer-focused. AMD is clearly positioning itself to remain a major player in the PC market for years to come.