AMD’s Krackan Point Zen 5 APUs Are Reportedly Coming to the AM5 Platform

AMD Krackan Point APUs are reportedly heading to the AM5 desktop platform, marking the long-awaited debut of Zen 5-powered desktop APUs. A new AGESA BIOS entry labeled “ComboAM5PI 1.2.7.0” appears to include microcode support for the Krackan Point family – known by its signature code 00B60Fxx – hinting that the chips may soon move from mobile to desktop configurations.

For months, enthusiasts have speculated when AMD would bring Zen 5-based APUs to its mainstream AM5 socket.

The current Phoenix Ryzen 8000G lineup, still built on Zen 4, struggles to match the efficiency and performance of Zen 5-based mobile chips like Strix Point and the premium Strix Halo. Krackan Point, initially designed for laptops, could be AMD’s answer – a bridge between mobility and power, offering balanced performance and integrated AI acceleration under the Ryzen AI 300 branding.

According to leaks circulating through hardware monitoring spreadsheets, Krackan Point and its refresh variant (Krackan Point 2) are both recognized by this new BIOS version. While AMD has yet to make any official statements, the timing aligns with long-standing rumors about the upcoming Ryzen 9000G (or possibly 10000G) series. These APUs are expected to feature up to eight Zen 5 cores and sixteen threads, paired with RDNA 3.5 graphics – a potent combination for budget gamers, creators, and compact system builders.

Performance expectations are modest but promising. With a higher power envelope than their mobile counterparts, the desktop Krackan Point chips should outperform the Ryzen AI 300 series laptops, especially in sustained workloads. In gaming scenarios, users may see playable 1080p or even 1440p performance depending on optimization and settings – though as always, discrete GPUs will remain the go-to for serious players. Still, these APUs could make an excellent base for compact gaming rigs, home theater setups, or low-power office systems.

Yet, opinions are divided. Some users view AMD’s approach as another “paper launch,” skeptical that retail availability will match the hype or pricing expectations. Others are excited for a smaller, cooler, and more power-efficient platform that finally brings Zen 5 to desktops without the need for a dedicated GPU. And if AMD indeed launches before Zen 6 arrives next year, the Krackan Point desktop debut could fill an important gap in the company’s roadmap – keeping AM5 relevant for longer and giving DIY builders fresh reasons to stay within Team Red’s ecosystem.

In short, AMD seems to be quietly preparing the stage. Whether Krackan Point for AM5 becomes a game-changer or another niche product will depend on how well it balances price, performance, and availability in a market where Intel and Nvidia are also eyeing integrated hybrid solutions.