AMD at CES 2026: AI, Memory Costs, and the Future of PC Gaming
The PC hardware landscape is shifting, and AMD is positioning itself to navigate the changes. Recent discussions at CES 2026, as revealed in exclusive transcripts, highlight a focus on AI integration, addressing memory price volatility, and evolving gaming experiences. This article dives into the key takeaways and what they mean for gamers, creators, and the industry as a whole.
The Rise of Local AI and the Ryzen AI 400
A major theme emerging from CES is the move towards on-device AI processing. AMD is betting big on this trend with products like the Ryzen AI 400, designed to bring AI capabilities directly to your PC. This isn’t just about flashy features; it’s about privacy, responsiveness, and accessibility. Running AI models locally eliminates the need to send data to the cloud, addressing growing concerns about data security.
“Whether you’re a creator or whether you’re trying to run agents locally on private, proprietary data, we see an enormous amount of interest, of traction in that right now,” an AMD representative stated during the Q&A. This suggests a growing demand for localized AI solutions, particularly among professionals handling sensitive information.
Navigating the Memory Price Crisis
The elephant in the room at CES was the soaring cost of memory, impacting both DRAM and GDDR6. Driven by increased demand from AI applications, prices have spiked, creating challenges for PC builders. AMD acknowledges the issue and its widespread impact. According to recent reports from Tom’s Hardware, RAM prices have seen significant increases in early 2024, with no immediate signs of stabilization.
AMD’s strategy involves offering options for consumers. The company notes that X3D processors are less sensitive to memory latency, potentially allowing users to save money on memory kits without sacrificing significant performance. Furthermore, the longevity of platforms like AM4 allows for component upgrades, offering a more affordable alternative to full system rebuilds.
The AM4/AM5 Dilemma and Upgrade Paths
Despite the push towards AM5, AMD recognizes the continued relevance of the AM4 platform. A surprising 30-40% of AMD’s total sales still revolve around AM4, demonstrating a strong demand for upgrades within that ecosystem. The lack of readily available 5800X3D and 5700X3D processors has further fueled this demand.
AMD is actively exploring ways to reintroduce products into the AM5 ecosystem and provide more affordable upgrade paths. This is a crucial move, as high memory costs and the need for new motherboards can be significant barriers to entry for AM5.
Small Form Factor PCs and the Strix Halo
AMD is also investing in innovative form factors like the Strix Halo, a compact system designed for gaming and AI workloads. This signals a shift towards more versatile and space-saving PC designs. The Halo’s integrated GPU and NPU make it a compelling option for users who prioritize portability and efficiency.
“I think there’s also a pretty significant class of gamers who want something that is just easy, small, quiet, and fits about anywhere,” AMD representatives noted, highlighting the growing appeal of small form factor PCs.
Radeon AI Pro and the Professional Market
Beyond gaming, AMD is targeting the professional market with the Radeon AI Pro R9700. This 32GB card, available in both actively and passively cooled versions, is designed for AI development and workstation applications. Combined with the latest ROCm 7.2 software, it offers a powerful platform for AI researchers and developers.
The Future of Graphics Memory and GPU Pricing
The memory price crisis extends to graphics cards, and AMD acknowledges the challenges. While the company is committed to maintaining competitive pricing, it anticipates that the cost of memory will inevitably increase across all platforms. The key will be mitigating these increases and delivering value to consumers.
AMD emphasizes the importance of a competitive graphics market, with two major players – AMD and NVIDIA – driving innovation and offering consumers more choices.
FAQ
- Will memory prices ever come down?
- AMD anticipates that memory prices will stabilize in the first half of 2026, but acknowledges that costs will likely remain higher than in previous years.
- Is AM4 still worth investing in?
- Yes, AM4 remains a viable option, especially for budget-conscious builders or those looking to upgrade existing systems. It offers a cost-effective path to a capable gaming PC.
- What is an NPU and why is it important?
- An NPU (Neural Processing Unit) is a specialized processor designed for AI workloads. It excels at running high-duty-cycle AI tasks efficiently, without significantly impacting battery life.
- Will AMD continue to support both AM4 and AM5?
- Yes, AMD plans to continue supporting both platforms, offering consumers a range of options to suit their needs and budgets.
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