Have you ever been excited about some new tech that everyone is raving about, only to find out it’s impossible to buy? That’s exactly what’s happened with AMD’s much-hyped Strix Halo chips—officially called the Ryzen AI MAX+ 300 series. These chips promise lightning-fast performance, strong graphics, and advanced AI features.
But here we are, well into 2025, and you can count the number of laptops using them on one hand.
So what’s going on? Let’s break it all down, using simple language and clear facts
What Is AMD Strix Halo (Ryzen AI MAX+)?
Strix Halo is AMD’s newest and most powerful APU (Accelerated Processing Unit). It combines three things in one chip:
A high-performance CPU
Built-in Radeon graphics
A dedicated NPU (Neural Processing Unit) for AI tasks
This means you can do a lot with one chip—play big games, edit high-res videos, run lots of apps at once, and even use AI-powered tools like Microsoft Copilot more smoothly.
The top model, the Ryzen AI MAX+ 395, has 16 cores—that’s more than enough for most heavy users. AMD designed this chip to compete with Apple’s M-series and Intel’s Core Ultra processors.
It sounds amazing, right? So why haven’t we seen it in more laptops?
Only Premium Options: ASUS and HP
Right now, only two laptop makers are offering Strix Halo-powered models:
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ASUS ROG Flow Z13 :- Explore Amazon
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HP ZBook Ultra G1a :- Explore Amazon
These laptops are powerful and packed with features—but they’re also incredibly expensive. The ASUS model starts around $2,099 and goes up to $2,799 with upgrades like 128GB of RAM. HP’s ZBook Ultra starts at an eye-watering $3,529.
For most people—students, creators, remote workers—that’s just too much. So while the chip is impressive, it’s stuck behind a massive paywall.
A New Challenger Appears: SIXUNITED
Here’s the good news. A company called SIXUNITED just announced a new laptop platform using the Ryzen AI MAX+ 395 chip. You might not have heard of them, but they’re an OEM (original equipment manufacturer)—meaning they build computers that other brands repackage and sell.
Their new model, called the XN77-160M-CS, is a “barebones” laptop. That means it comes with the essentials—chip, screen, cooling, and battery—and lets companies or DIY users add storage and software.
This approach could help bring high-performance AMD laptops to the mainstream.
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What’s Under the Hood? Specs at a Glance
Let’s look at what this SIXUNITED laptop offers:
Processor: Ryzen AI MAX+ 395 (16-core)
Graphics: Integrated Radeon + AI chip
Memory: LPDDR5X (up to 8000 MT/s, not upgradeable)
Storage: Two M.2 PCIe 4.0 slots for SSDs
Display: 16″ screen, 2560×1600 resolution, 165Hz refresh rate, 100% sRGB, 500 nits; optional OLED panel
Cooling: Dual-fan system for 85W or 120W thermal designs
Battery: 85Wh or 99.9Wh (airline-friendly limit)
Body: Aluminum and Mylar materials
Webcam: 1MP or 2MP with shutter
Weight: Under 1.8 kg
Hinge: Opens 180° flat
That’s a well-rounded machine. It’s great for gamers, creatives, coders, and even students who want a future-ready laptop.
Why This Could Be AMD’s Breakthrough Moment
SIXUNITED’s laptop might be the first real step toward making Strix Halo laptops more affordable and more available.
Here’s why this model is exciting:
Customizable: Brands can build on this base and sell it as their own
AI-Ready: With a built-in NPU, it supports next-gen AI software like Microsoft Copilot+
Great for Everyone: Gamers, editors, students, and professionals all benefit
Display Choices: Fast LCD or high-contrast OLED—your call
And if brands like Framework, Lenovo, or System76 pick it up, we could see lots of Strix Halo laptops on the market.
A Few Limitations to Keep in Mind
Even with all the hype, there are still some things to be aware of:
Soldered RAM: LPDDR5X memory is fast but not upgradeable
Unknown Pricing: Since this is a base model, final prices depend on the brand
Not a Big Name: SIXUNITED isn’t a household brand—yet
Software Maturity: AI tools and driver support may still need refinement
These aren’t deal-breakers, especially for early adopters. But it’s good to keep them in mind.
Why AI Matters So Much in 2025
AI isn’t just a buzzword anymore—it’s now a must-have. Many new Windows features depend on AI hardware, including:
Voice dictation and smart transcription
Real-time photo and video editing
Summarizing long emails or documents
Smart replies and text generation
To run these tasks well, you need an NPU, which Strix Halo includes. That’s why AMD’s new chip matters—it’s built for the future.
What to Watch Next
This space is moving fast, so stay alert for:
New brands launching laptops using the SIXUNITED design
How these compare to ASUS and HP in price and performance
Benchmarks and real-world reviews from tech experts
This could be AMD’s big moment to shine in the AI laptop space—and yours to grab a powerful machine without the premium cost.
Final Thoughts: The Strix Halo Era May Be Just Beginning
For too long, AMD’s most exciting chip has only been available in sky-high-priced laptops. But now, thanks to SIXUNITED’s smart, scalable design, we may finally see Strix Halo laptops that more people can actually afford.
If you want a fast, future-proof laptop without the $3000 price tag, this might be your chance.
So keep your eyes open. The Strix Halo era is finally taking shape—and it might be coming to a laptop near you.
