Windows 10’s lifespan is dwindling, with support ending next year. AMD’s upcoming Strix Point APUs seem to underscore this, according to a recent rumor.
A well-informed individual on Weibo, reportedly Lenovo’s China manager, suggests that the launch of Zen 5-based Strix Point chips will see AMD cease Windows 10 driver support.
This implies that these new APUs, essentially all-in-one processors with integrated graphics and an NPU, will be exclusive to Windows 11 PCs.
The manager predicts a 10% IPC (Instructions per Clock) increase for Zen 5 CPUs, a conservative estimate compared to others (15% to 20% or slightly more).
Take this Weibo rumor with a grain of salt, as it’s not our preferred source for speculation.
Analysis: The AI Factor
Windows 10 still outnumbers Windows 11 in popularity. Microsoft’s latest OS has had a slow uptake since its release, with Windows 11 holding just 26% of the Windows market share, according to Statcounter. Windows 10 retains the majority.
In gaming, Windows 11 fares better than general users, but still trails Windows 10. However, the newer platform is nearing a 50% share, as per the latest Steam hardware survey.
Why might AMD ditch Windows 10 support early? Firstly, Windows 10 support ends in October 2025. Secondly, TechSpot notes that Strix Point chips are partly about advancing AI, aiming for nearly 80 TOPS (trillions of operations per second). Windows 11 is the go-to for AI, especially with the upcoming ‘AI Explorer’ in the 24H2 update, which will require faster chips for optimal AI functionality.
In summary, remember that Strix Point will power AI PCs and devices that will run Windows 11.