AMD Ryzen Z2: Minimal Changes after Ryzen Z1 Extreme

The Ryzen Z2 is positioned between the Z2 A and Z2 Extreme, but its configuration is almost identical to the previous Ryzen Z1 Extreme: eight Zen 4 cores, 16 threads, and 12 RDNA 3 graphics units. The GPU frequency of the new chip is even lower-2.7 GHz instead of 2.9 GHz. Therefore, the value of the device with Ryzen Z2 depends not on the new index but on its price relative to the models with Z1 Extreme and Z2 Extreme.

Comparison with Ryzen Z1 Extreme and Z2 Extreme

Both the Ryzen Z2 and Z1 Extreme operate at frequencies from 3.3 to 5.1 GHz and each has 8 MB of L2 cache and 16 MB of L3 cache. Neither model features a dedicated Ryzen AI coprocessor.

The Z2 Extreme differs significantly from them. It utilizes Zen 5 and Zen 5c cores, and its RDNA 3.5 graphics include 16 compute units instead of 12. The maximum cTDP is also increased from 30 W to 35 W.

Differences from Ryzen Z1 Extreme

The main differences of the Ryzen Z2 from the Z1 Extreme are the lower GPU frequency and a different cTDP range.

Both processors have 8 cores, 16 threads, and 12 graphics units, but the GPU of the Ryzen Z2 operates 200 MHz slower. The cTDP range is 15-30 W compared to the 9-30 W of the Z1 Extreme.

The device manufacturer can still introduce a mode below 15 W using custom power settings. For example, a portable console may limit the APU to 8 or 10 W to increase battery life.

This is a new index, not a new generation of APU. With the same TDP, a significant advantage over the Ryzen Z1 Extreme should not be expected.

Ryzen Z2 Benchmarks

Currently, the Ryzen Z2 is confirmed only in the Lenovo Legion Go 2. In the documentation, the model is also referred to as Legion Go 8AHP2 and has a machine type 83N1.

There are no other serial devices with the Ryzen Z2 yet, and models with Z2 A, Z2 Go, and Z2 Extreme use different processors. Therefore, it is not possible to create a complete table of results from several portable computers.

The Lenovo Legion Go 2 scored about 2,444 points in single-core and 11,000 points in multi-core Geekbench 6. In 3DMark Time Spy, the device achieved 3,285 points at a limit of 25 W.

The performance of the portable device depends on TDP, memory speed, temperature, firmware, and the selected power profile. The difference between 15 W and 25 W modes in a single device can be greater than between two similar processors at the same power consumption.

Gaming Performance

The practical range of the built-in graphics of the Ryzen Z2 is from 800p to 1200p. Medium settings are available in less demanding games. For heavy projects, it will be necessary to lower the resolution and enable FSR, and sometimes frame generation.

The Lenovo Legion Go 2 showed the following results:

• Forza Horizon 5: about 73 FPS at 1920 × 1200, medium settings, and a 16 W limit;
• Elden Ring: 57-59 FPS at 1600 × 1000, medium settings, and 25 W;
• Cyberpunk 2077: around 84 FPS at 1920 × 1200 with 25 W and FSR Frame Generation enabled;
• Borderlands 4: the game managed to run at 800p on low settings with frame generation; however, the image occasionally broke up into artifacts.

84 FPS in Cyberpunk 2077 does not indicate native frame rates: part of the image is rendered by FSR Frame Generation. Pure graphical performance is better reflected by the Time Spy result of 3,285 points.

This level allows gaming at 800p-1200p on low or medium settings. For heavy games at native 1200p, a high preset is already too demanding.

Power Impact

The Lenovo Legion Go 2 features several power modes. Quiet mode sets a limit of around 8 W, balanced mode - 16 W, and performance mode - 20 W when running on battery. When plugged in, higher limits are available.

For emulators, indie games, and older projects, economical modes are sufficient. For heavy games, it is more reasonable to use 20-25 W. Above 25 W, the gain becomes more dependent on the particular game, temperature, and cooling system performance.

Increasing the power also reduces battery life. Therefore, the maximum mode is not always necessary: in games with a 60 FPS limit, additional watts may increase noise and heat without a noticeable improvement in smoothness.

Conclusion

The Ryzen Z2 is not a full successor to the Z1 Extreme but rather a closely configured version with a lower GPU frequency. The new index has not brought either a different CPU architecture or additional graphics units.

The chip performs well in games at 800p-1200p, but for heavy projects, it requires FSR and reduced settings. A device with Ryzen Z2 is only worthwhile if significantly cheaper than the Z2 Extreme version.

With a small price difference, it’s better to choose the Z2 Extreme: it has a new architecture and 16 graphics units instead of 12. The Ryzen Z2 is primarily interesting as a way to reduce the cost of the finished device, rather than as a standalone platform upgrade.