AMD Ryzen 6000 & Intel Alder Lake CPU options

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Yes, the handheld gaming market has even more competition with high-end performance and graphics, this time from the GPD company. GPD have released several handheld laptop gaming systems for many years and they have introduced the next wave of their WIN Max handheld laptop gaming PC.

GPD updates the WIN Max 2 system with AMD’s latest Ryzen 7 6800U processor and Radeon 680M graphics

The GPD WIN Max 2 stands out from the other systems we’ve covered recently, from the Steam Deck to the Onexplayer, from the AYANEO systems and the newest kid on the block, the AOKZOE A1. Many of these systems share a very similar form factor, which is not the case with the GPD WIN Max 2. GPD has always maintained a laptop design in the previous models for the past five years. Each system version supports a laptop feel with game controls near the flip screen.

Using GPD’s latest design, they announced on Twitter that they will be running an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign:

Now, with the inclusion of the AMD 6800U as we saw in the AOKZOE A1, the GPD WIN Max 2 will include the processor and storage options ranging from 128GB to 2TB, 4G LTE and a customized M.2 2230 1TB SSD. Prices range from $899 to $1299, with a limit of 128GB to 50 units.

Some features of the new GPD WIN Max 2 Handheld PC Gaming System are:

  • 10.1-inch frameless display with passive eye protection for blue light protection
  • Full metal CNC body made from 6061 aluminum magnesium alloy
  • Options for Intel i7-1260P or AMD Ryzen 7 6800U processors
  • Graphics options of the 96 EU Intel Iris Xe GPU or the 12 CU AMD Radeon 680M, both offering the same 768 shaders
  • RAM options with 16GB or 32GB capacity LPDDR5-5200 or LPDDR5-6400 MT/s memory
  • Compatibility with Bluetooth 5.2
  • large turbofan and double heat pipe
  • 4G LTE module
  • four speakers with surround sound
  • Wi-Fi 6.0 compatibility up to 2402Mbps
  • Two PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots with options for 2280 or 2230 SSD depending on version
  • Analog hall sensor sticks to limit and prevent drift, a common problem with some game controllers
  • QWERTZ keyboard with two levels of brightness
  • Thunderbolt 4 eGPU support
  • 67Wh battery with 100W PD fast charge
  • Slots for SD and microSD cards
  • HDMI 2.1
  • USB 3.2 Gen2x4
  • Connections for 3.5 mm headphones and microphone
  • fingerprint sensor
  • Windows 11 Home

The system measures 160mm x 227mm, which is taller but thinner than the Steam Deck’s 117mm x 298mm size. The default resolution is 1920 x 1200 but can be adjusted to 2560 x 1600 resolutions. The display features 299 PPI, 400 nits of brightness, an 80.2% DCI-P3 color gamut, and a 90% screen ratio. With the inclusion of the AMD Ryzen 7 6800U CPU. Users get a max turbo speed of 4.7GHz.

Differences between the Intel GPD WIN Max 2 and the AMD variant. Source: GPD.

As a user experienced with newer handheld computer systems, with my recent review of the Onexplayer MINI AMD 5800U system, users will want to skip the 128GB version unless they plan on playing low memory games that are retro styled can be seen in games or used in legacy games through the use of ROMS and emulators. It’s easier to pay the premium for the 1TB or 2TB system if you want to fit AAA games on the system.

The company has changed its design significantly in the last five or six years. The handheld systems currently on the market feel more handheld friendly. In contrast, the GPD systems and their hybrid gaming/user/work form factor, which looks more like a laptop and less like a gaming system, raises the question of whether the system will be a viable competitor in the current handheld market.

If you’re interested in delving into the universe of GPD gaming consoles and workstations, you can support the latest crowdfunding campaign here and check out the rest of the GPD line on their official website.

News Sources: Indiegogo, GPD