AMD’s Ryzen 200 APUs: A Hawk Point Refresh Ready to Rival Intel

AMD is gearing up to launch its refreshed “Ryzen 200” APU lineup, based on the Hawk Point architecture, specifically targeting entry-level laptops. This move is expected to fill the performance gap in the budget segment while offering competitive features to rival Intel’s Core 200 series.

AMD’s Hawk Point Refresh: What’s New?

Team Red is known for introducing refreshed versions of its existing CPU lineups to provide more “market-friendly” SKUs and bridge gaps in its product lineup. Previously, AMD’s Phoenix series stood out with its Ryzen 8000 “Hawk Point” APUs, boasting impressive performance upgrades. One of the most significant updates in the Phoenix refresh was the integration of an NPU (Neural Processing Unit), delivering up to 16 TOPS of AI capability.

Now, according to a new leak by Golden Pig Upgrade Pack on Weibo (shared via Olrak_29), AMD plans to extend its Hawk Point lineup with minimal adjustments under the Ryzen 200 series. The refresh will reportedly retain the Zen 4 architecture while making incremental improvements.

Key Features and Competitors

The leak highlights one notable APU from the lineup, the Ryzen 7 255H, which appears to be an update to the existing Ryzen 7 8745HS. Unlike its predecessor, the Ryzen 7 255H may include features aimed at competing directly with Intel’s Core Ultra 7 255H, creating potential confusion due to the similar naming conventions.

• Ryzen 7 255H – Likely a refresh of the Ryzen 7 8745HS
• Ryzen 7 265H – Likely a refresh of the Ryzen 7 8845HS

While the refresh may not represent a generational leap, we can anticipate modest upgrades in AI performance, particularly in areas where the current Hawk Point lineup lags behind. Despite these expected improvements, core counts and iGPU configurations are unlikely to see significant changes.

Where the Ryzen 200 Series Fits

The Ryzen 200 APUs aim to cater to low-to-medium workloads, especially in devices like handhelds and mini-PCs. AMD is positioning these processors as ideal solutions for compact and portable devices. However, the company faces challenges in replicating the widespread success of its Phoenix lineup, particularly in the handheld gaming market.

With Intel preparing to release its Core 200 “Raptor Lake Refresh”, AMD is expected to time its Ryzen 200 launch strategically for maximum impact. This refresh could play a pivotal role in regaining momentum in the entry-level and portable device segments.

Release Timeline

AMD is likely to launch the Ryzen 200 series later this year, aligning closely with Intel’s expected release schedule for its Raptor Lake Refresh lineup. As the competition heats up, consumers can look forward to more affordable and capable processors entering the market.