GPD with two Strix Halo gaming handhelds

The Win 5 hasn’t made much of a good impression on users.

Two times the charm. Following the launch of Win 5, GPD’s first gaming handheld powered by AMD Strix Halo APU, the company is already planning more systems using the same chip. It is a much more powerful APU with up to 16 Zen 5 cores and, more importantly, 40 RDNA 3.5 Compute Units for graphics.

For Win 5, GPD had to make some changes, such as removing the physical keyboard and internal battery. The system relies on external battery packs, which adds some flexibility for users who prefer lighter handhelds. However, the company did not consider basic usability, as even a simple battery swap requires the system to be turned off.

Win Max with HX 370 APUSource: GPD

The next console may bring the battery back. Win Mini, the smaller model, is not planned to feature Strix Halo. A larger model called Win Max might come later. GPD says:

The Win Max series are larger systems with a 10-inch screen, closer to compact ultrabooks from the early 2010s. A smaller internal battery with optional external battery packs could address the main issue seen with Win 5.

The company already launched a Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 version of Win Max, but Strix Halo requires more power and stronger cooling, so the design will need changes. Some features or ports may be removed to improve thermals.

So far, only GPD has released a Strix Halo handheld. AYANEO has been quiet about its Next 2 handheld , which is also expected to use this APU.

It is good to see Halo reaching gaming-focused systems rather than being limited to expensive laptops and compact workstation devices.

Source: NotebookCheck