The future of desktop computing just got brighter thanks to AMD's exciting announcements at CES 2026. The chip manufacturer is giving enthusiasts and gamers plenty of reasons to celebrate with its new Ryzen AI Max+ processors and the highly anticipated Ryzen 7 9850X3D chip.

Building on the success of last year's groundbreaking Ryzen AI Max series, AMD is taking innovation to the next level with its Ryzen AI Max+ lineup. These remarkable chips demonstrate how far integrated technology has come, combining powerful CPU cores, GPU capabilities, NPUs, and integrated memory into a single, efficient piece of silicon. It's a design philosophy inspired by the success of Apple's integrated approach, proving that consumers appreciate performance and elegant design working together harmoniously.

AMD VP Joe Macri reflected on this shift in thinking from last year's CES, noting how Apple Silicon helped change industry perceptions. "Consumers don't care what's inside the box," Macri explained. "They care about what the box looks like, the screen, the keyboard, the mouse. They care about what it does." This consumer-focused philosophy has guided AMD's development of these impressive new processors.

The new Ryzen AI Max+ family includes two standout models: the 12-core Ryzen AI Max+ 392 and the eight-core Ryzen AI Max+ 388. Both chips deliver impressive specifications with boost speeds reaching up to 5GHz, 50 TOPS NPUs, and GPUs capable of 60 TFLOPs. Early testing of the previous generation Ryzen AI Max chips in systems like the Framework Desktop and ROG Flow Z13 showed outstanding performance, with integrated graphics so capable that dedicated GPUs weren't even missed in compact systems.

For gaming enthusiasts seeking excellent performance without breaking the bank, the Ryzen 7 9850X3D presents an attractive option. This eight-core processor showcases AMD's innovative 3D V-cache technology, which vertically stacks additional cache memory for enhanced performance. With boost speeds reaching up to 5.6GHz and an impressive 104MB of combined L2 and L3 cache, it offers substantial improvements over standard chips. Best of all, leaked listings suggest this powerhouse may be priced around $200, making premium gaming performance more accessible than ever.

The 9850X3D provides an excellent middle ground for gamers who want the performance benefits of 3D V-cache technology without the premium price tag of the $700 9950X3D. It's another example of AMD's commitment to bringing cutting-edge technology to a wider audience.

Both the Ryzen AI Max+ chips and the 9850X3D are scheduled to ship in the first quarter, meaning enthusiasts won't have to wait long to get their hands on these exciting new processors. Adding to the anticipation, rumors suggest AMD may have even more surprises in store, including a potential 9950X3D2 chip featuring an astounding 192MB of cache.

These announcements underscore AMD's dedication to innovation and accessibility in the computing world, ensuring that powerful, efficient processors are available for everyone from creative professionals to passionate gamers.