AMD ’s Ryzen Z - serial portable play processor have been some of the most exciting silicon chip AMD ’s released in recent years . They proffer incredible CPU and GPU performance on a undivided die , with cracking efficiency , making it possible for high-pitched performance portable gaming systems that can make for at in high spirits detail and systema skeletale charge per unit . AMD ’s 2nd - generationZ2 portable processors debut in 2025and will form a core part in many portable gambling systems this year , like theLenovo Legion Go S.
But often these portable system offer last - generation Z chips project , too , raising the question , which is better ? Two splintering going caput to point early this year are the Z2 Go and Z1 Extreme , so let ’s see how they stack up , to see which is the better option .
Pricing and availability
Pricing for these case-by-case processors is redundant , since you wo n’t be bribe them by themselves , but pricing per gimmick is going to alter dramatically by manufacturer . In the vitrine of theLenovo Legion Go S , where both chips will be an selection finally , the Z1 Extreme variation is usable now , with an $ 800 price tag and Windows 11 installed .
In May , Lenovo will set in motion the Legion Go S with Steam OS as an alternative , with the selection of the Z2 Go and more modest companion hardware — such as less retentiveness and onboard storehouse . Prices there , will set forth at $ 500 .
Specifications
On paper , the Z1 Extreme shows much more able internals than the Z2 Go . Despite the latter being the young processor in term of release chronology , the Z1 Extreme is built on a newer computer architecture , with a new graphics core design , more cores , and a high clock speed . It ’s the more expensive Saratoga chip , in the more expensive version of the machine , so we ’d bear it to perform better .
Performance
The specific performance of any hardware in any portable gadget is very pendent on the overall design . Available power and cooling make for a immense role in how tight a central processor can run at , and the operating scheme plays a big part too , so judging how these CPUs will square off without corresponding testing using the same devices , is tricky .
However , it is potential to make some estimations by compare how these chips perform in different equipment . In our follow-up of the Legion Go S , Jacob Roach psychometric test theLenovo Legion Go Swith a Z2 Go onboard , against theAsus Rog Ally X , die hard the Z1 Extreme , and even the older ROG Ally with the original Z1 .
ALthough the Z2 Go does put up a decent conflict , it ’s clear that in most games the Z1 Extreme is the more capable CPU . Its bully identification number of CPU heart , higher hike clock , and newer graphics computer architecture give it a modest , but famous reward . That means that if you ’re become to buy the Legion Go 2 S and you require the best carrying out , the Z1 Extreme adaptation ( with SteamOS , please ) is the better option for tender business leader .
Although this does give a single - source win to the Z1 Extreme , it ’s also a decent success floor for the Z2 Go . Despite using an older Zen 3 architecture , with fewer gist , and trammel to a 4.3GHz boost clock , it ’s able-bodied to leverage its high - nub GPU to large effect — almost keeping up with the high - power , more expensive choice . consider the Z2 Go version with SteamOS will be several hundred buck cheaper than the Z1 Extreme version , it could make the Z2 Go version of the Legion Go S as the better option to undercut the Steam Deck as thebest budget handheld play solutionin early 2025 .
While the Z1 Extreme variation is faster , it ’s also more expensive , pushing it into competition with higher - last handheld gaming organisation like the aforementioned Ally X , not to cite unexampled contention come this year .
Z1 Extreme is better, but is it worth it?
We ’ll require to see a verbatim drumhead to steer testing of the different versions of the Legion Go S — and any other hand-held gaming system with multiple chip selection — to know for sure how these processors equate directly . However , for now , it seems probable that the Z1 Extreme will be the fast of the two central processor , but just not by as much as we might have have a bun in the oven .
The margins for carrying into action , pricing , and efficiency are passing tight on portable gaming devices , so if the Z2 Go can offer near - enough performance to the Z1 Extreme at a much more affordable price , with comparable battery spirit , for many that will make it the no - brainer option .
For now , though your options are limited . The Z1 Extreme version of the Legion Go S is quick to gage on right now . The wait for something cheap might be worth it for you , but if not , the Z1 Extreme is already the more capable option ; albeit at a higher monetary value tag .
