Evetech Logo Mobile/EveZone Logo Mobile

Search Blogs...

Deep Dives

AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme Performance: The Handheld Gaming Revolution

Discover the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme performance secrets powering the ROG Ally and Legion Go 🎮. We break down the Zen 4 architecture, RDNA 3 graphics, and why this chip changes the game for portable PC gaming. Get the full breakdown here!

27 Nov 2025 | Quick Read | 👤 ChipChaser
|
Loading tags...
AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme Performance Review & Analysis

Remember dreaming of playing your full-fat PC library anywhere? Not a stripped-down mobile version, but the real deal... Cyberpunk 2077 on a flight to Cape Town or Baldur's Gate 3 during load shedding. That dream is now a reality, powered by a revolutionary piece of silicon. The incredible AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme performance is single-handedly reshaping what we expect from portable gaming, packing desktop-level power into devices that fit in your hands. 🚀

What's Under the Hood of the Z1 Extreme?

At its core, the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme performance comes from a brilliant combination of AMD's latest technologies. Think of it as a custom-built engine designed specifically for one job: delivering high-fidelity gaming on the move.

It boasts an 8-core, 16-thread CPU based on the cutting-edge "Zen 4" architecture. This is the same foundation found in powerful desktop processors, ensuring that even complex, CPU-heavy games run smoothly without bottlenecking.

But the real magic for gamers lies in its graphics. The Z1 Extreme integrates 12 RDNA 3 compute units. This is AMD's most advanced graphics architecture, enabling features like ray tracing and impressive frame rates at 1080p. It's this potent CPU-GPU combo that allows devices to punch far above their weight.

Real-World Gaming Performance

Specs are one thing, but how does it actually feel to play? The AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme performance translates to a genuinely impressive experience. In a device like the ASUS ROG Ally, you can comfortably run demanding AAA titles at 1080p with medium-to-high settings, often hitting that sweet 60 FPS mark.

Imagine exploring the neon-drenched streets of Night City or the sprawling landscapes of the Lands Between with smooth, responsive gameplay. This isn't just about playing indie games anymore; it's about taking your entire Steam, Epic, or Game Pass library with you without a major compromise in visual quality or performance. It truly redefines portable power. ✨

MARVO GT-84 Wireless Gaming Controller - Strong compatibility: PS4/PS3/Windows/IOS/Android - 6 hour battery life - Double Triggers And Analog Mumpers -  6-axis sensor and dual vibration feedback for an immersive gaming experience - Ergonomically designed for comfort with sweat-proof and anti-slip materials / GT-84

MARVO GT-84 Wireless Gaming Controller - Strong compatibility: PS4/PS3/Windows/IOS/Android - 6 hour battery life - Double Triggers And Analog Mumpers - 6-axis sensor and dual vibration feedback for an immersive gaming experience - Ergonomically designed for comfort with sweat-proof and anti-slip materials / GT-84

R399.00In Stock
Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller - Carbon Black / Hybrid D-Pad / 3.5mm Stereo Headset Jack / Textured Triggers And Bumpers / Compatible for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Android And iOS / QAT-00009

Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller - Carbon Black / Hybrid D-Pad / 3.5mm Stereo Headset Jack / Textured Triggers And Bumpers / Compatible for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Android And iOS / QAT-00009

R1599.00In Stock
Razer Kishi V3 Pro Gaming Controller / Supports Android, iPhone & iPad Mini / Full-Sized Console-Style Controller / Fits Phones and Tablets up to 8” / Razer Sensa HD Immersive Haptics / RZ06-05460100-R3M1

Razer Kishi V3 Pro Gaming Controller / Supports Android, iPhone & iPad Mini / Full-Sized Console-Style Controller / Fits Phones and Tablets up to 8” / Razer Sensa HD Immersive Haptics / RZ06-05460100-R3M1

R4199.00In Stock
Adata SC735 1TB High-Performance External SSD with USB-C / 1,050MB/s Read & 1,000MB/s Write Speeds / Cable-Free Mobile Phone Compatibility / Gaming Handheld Compatible / Supports Latest Game Consoles / Multi-OS Support / SC735-1000G-CCBK/GY

Adata SC735 1TB High-Performance External SSD with USB-C / 1,050MB/s Read & 1,000MB/s Write Speeds / Cable-Free Mobile Phone Compatibility / Gaming Handheld Compatible / Supports Latest Game Consoles / Multi-OS Support / SC735-1000G-CCBK/GY

R2199.00In Stock
Razer Kishi V3 Gaming Controller / Supports Android and iPhone / Full-Sized Console-Style Controller / Dual mouse-click back buttons / Razer Sensa HD Immersive Haptics / RZ06-03550100-R3M1

Razer Kishi V3 Gaming Controller / Supports Android and iPhone / Full-Sized Console-Style Controller / Dual mouse-click back buttons / Razer Sensa HD Immersive Haptics / RZ06-03550100-R3M1

R2999.00In Stock
MSI Claw 8 AI+ A2VM Handheld Touchscreen Gaming Console / Intel Core Ultra 7 258V / 32GB LPDDR5X RAM / 1TB NVMe SSD / 8" FHD+ (1920 x 1200), 120 Hz, Touchscreen Display / Intel® Arc 140V Graphics / 2 x USB Type-C (Supports Thunderbolt 4 / DisplayPort / Power Delivery 3.0) / 1 x Micro SD Card Reader / 1 x Headphone and Microphone combo jack / 1x Fingerprint Reader / Intel® Killer Wi-Fi 7 BE1750 Wireless LAN / Bluetooth 5.4 / Windows 11 Home (64bit) / 2 × 2W Speakers, Hi-Res Audio ready / 6-Cell, 80Whr Battery / 1 Year Warranty / CLAW-8-AI-A2VM-067ZA

MSI Claw 8 AI+ A2VM Handheld Touchscreen Gaming Console / Intel Core Ultra 7 258V / 32GB LPDDR5X RAM / 1TB NVMe SSD / 8" FHD+ (1920 x 1200), 120 Hz, Touchscreen Display / Intel® Arc 140V Graphics / 2 x USB Type-C (Supports Thunderbolt 4 / DisplayPort / Power Delivery 3.0) / 1 x Micro SD Card Reader / 1 x Headphone and Microphone combo jack / 1x Fingerprint Reader / Intel® Killer Wi-Fi 7 BE1750 Wireless LAN / Bluetooth 5.4 / Windows 11 Home (64bit) / 2 × 2W Speakers, Hi-Res Audio ready / 6-Cell, 80Whr Battery / 1 Year Warranty / CLAW-8-AI-A2VM-067ZA

R18999.00In Stock

The Handhelds Leading the Charge

The Z1 Extreme is the heart, but several amazing devices are the body. Besides the aforementioned ROG Ally, the Lenovo Legion Go also leverages the chip's power, pairing it with a larger, higher-resolution screen and detachable controllers for a unique, versatile experience.

This fierce competition is fantastic for us gamers in South Africa. It drives innovation and pushes boundaries. We're even seeing new challengers enter the ring, like the upcoming MSI Claw, which will intensify the battle for the top spot in handheld gaming.

TIP FOR YOU

Battery vs. Performance Pro Tip 🔧

Your Z1 Extreme device allows you to adjust the Thermal Design Power (TDP). For demanding games, set it to a higher wattage (e.g., 25-30W) for maximum performance. When playing lighter indie titles or just browsing, lower the TDP (e.g., 10-15W) to significantly extend your battery life. Mastering this balance is key to getting the most out of your handheld on the go!

The Future of Portable PC Gaming in SA

The arrival of this level of AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme performance in handhelds is more than just a new product category... it's a fundamental shift. For South African gamers, it means freedom. Freedom from being tied to a desk, freedom to game during power cuts, and the freedom to have one unified library across all your PC devices.

Logitech F710 Wireless Gaming Gamepad / 2.4GHz Wireless / Broad Game Support / Familiar Button Layout / 940-000142

Logitech F710 Wireless Gaming Gamepad / 2.4GHz Wireless / Broad Game Support / Familiar Button Layout / 940-000142

R849.00In Stock
Lenovo Legion Go S 8ARP1 Handheld Touchscreen Gaming Console - Black / AMD Ryzen™ Z2 Go / 16GB LPDDR5X RAM / 512B NVMe SSD / 8.8" WUXGA (1920 x 1200), Touch Screen, 100% sRGB(Typical), 500nits(Typical), IPS-Level Display/ Integrated AMD Radeon™ Graphics / 2x USB Type-C support (DisplayPort™ 1.4 / Power Delivery 3.0) / 1 x Card Reader / 1 x Headphone and Microphone combo jack / AMD Wi-Fi® 6E RZ616 Wireless / Bluetooth 5.3 / SteamOS / 2 Stereo Speakers / 4-Cell, Li-ion, 55.5Whr Battery / 1 Year Warranty / 83L3004VSA

Lenovo Legion Go S 8ARP1 Handheld Touchscreen Gaming Console - Black / AMD Ryzen™ Z2 Go / 16GB LPDDR5X RAM / 512B NVMe SSD / 8.8" WUXGA (1920 x 1200), Touch Screen, 100% sRGB(Typical), 500nits(Typical), IPS-Level Display/ Integrated AMD Radeon™ Graphics / 2x USB Type-C support (DisplayPort™ 1.4 / Power Delivery 3.0) / 1 x Card Reader / 1 x Headphone and Microphone combo jack / AMD Wi-Fi® 6E RZ616 Wireless / Bluetooth 5.3 / SteamOS / 2 Stereo Speakers / 4-Cell, Li-ion, 55.5Whr Battery / 1 Year Warranty / 83L3004VSA

R13499.00In Stock
Lenovo Legion Go S 8APU1 Handheld Touchscreen Gaming Console - Black / AMD Ryzen™ Z1 Extreme / 16GB LPDDR5X RAM / 1TB NVMe SSD / 8.8" WUXGA (1920 x 1200), Touch Screen, 100% sRGB(Typical), 500nits(Typical), IPS-Level Display/ Integrated AMD Radeon™ Graphics / 2x USB Type-C support (DisplayPort™ 1.4 / Power Delivery 3.0) / 1 x Card Reader / 1 x Headphone and Microphone combo jack / AMD Wi-Fi® 6E RZ616 Wireless / Bluetooth 5.3 / SteamOS / 2 Stereo Speakers / 4-Cell, Li-ion, 55.5Whr Battery / 1 Year Warranty / 83N6002ESA

Lenovo Legion Go S 8APU1 Handheld Touchscreen Gaming Console - Black / AMD Ryzen™ Z1 Extreme / 16GB LPDDR5X RAM / 1TB NVMe SSD / 8.8" WUXGA (1920 x 1200), Touch Screen, 100% sRGB(Typical), 500nits(Typical), IPS-Level Display/ Integrated AMD Radeon™ Graphics / 2x USB Type-C support (DisplayPort™ 1.4 / Power Delivery 3.0) / 1 x Card Reader / 1 x Headphone and Microphone combo jack / AMD Wi-Fi® 6E RZ616 Wireless / Bluetooth 5.3 / SteamOS / 2 Stereo Speakers / 4-Cell, Li-ion, 55.5Whr Battery / 1 Year Warranty / 83N6002ESA

R17499.00In Stock
Razer Kishi V3 Pro Gaming Controller / Supports Android, iPhone & iPad Mini / Full-Sized Console-Style Controller / Fits Phones and Tablets up to 8” / Razer Sensa HD Immersive Haptics / RZ06-05460100-R3M1

Razer Kishi V3 Pro Gaming Controller / Supports Android, iPhone & iPad Mini / Full-Sized Console-Style Controller / Fits Phones and Tablets up to 8” / Razer Sensa HD Immersive Haptics / RZ06-05460100-R3M1

R4199.00In Stock
MARVO GT-84 Wireless Gaming Controller - Strong compatibility: PS4/PS3/Windows/IOS/Android - 6 hour battery life - Double Triggers And Analog Mumpers -  6-axis sensor and dual vibration feedback for an immersive gaming experience - Ergonomically designed for comfort with sweat-proof and anti-slip materials / GT-84

MARVO GT-84 Wireless Gaming Controller - Strong compatibility: PS4/PS3/Windows/IOS/Android - 6 hour battery life - Double Triggers And Analog Mumpers - 6-axis sensor and dual vibration feedback for an immersive gaming experience - Ergonomically designed for comfort with sweat-proof and anti-slip materials / GT-84

R399.00In Stock
Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL iPad & Android Tablet Gaming Controller / Full-Sized Console-Style Controller / Fits Phones and Tablets up to 10” / Razer Sensa HD Immersive Haptics / RZ06-05470100-R3M1

Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL iPad & Android Tablet Gaming Controller / Full-Sized Console-Style Controller / Fits Phones and Tablets up to 10” / Razer Sensa HD Immersive Haptics / RZ06-05470100-R3M1

R5199.00In Stock

As the technology matures and developers get better at optimising for these specific chips, the experience will only improve. We are at the very beginning of a new era for PC gaming, one that is more accessible and versatile than ever before. If you've been on the fence, now is the perfect time to explore the world of handheld gaming consoles.

Ready to Unleash True PC Gaming on the Go? The era of compromise-free handheld gaming has arrived. The AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme has proven that you don't need a massive rig to enjoy your favourite titles. Explore our incredible range of handheld gaming consoles and find the perfect portable powerhouse for your adventures.

It is a high-performance mobile processor designed specifically for handheld gaming consoles, featuring Zen 4 CPU cores and RDNA 3 graphics architecture.

The Z1 Extreme offers significantly higher raw performance and 1080p gaming capabilities compared to the Steam Deck's older Aerith APU.

Popular devices include the ASUS ROG Ally and the Lenovo Legion Go, utilizing the chip for high-fidelity portable gaming.

Yes, with RDNA 3 graphics, it handles modern AAA titles at respectable frame rates, especially when using upscaling tech like FSR.

The Extreme version has 8 cores and 12 GPU compute units, while the standard Z1 has only 6 cores and 4 compute units, offering much lower power.

Yes, the RDNA 3 architecture supports hardware ray tracing, though performance varies heavily depending on the game and settings.