The world of the Handheld Gaming PC is moving at a breakneck pace, and GPD is consistently at the front of the pack. With the GPD WIN MAX 2 2025 already an established powerhouse, the recent launch of the GPD WIN 5 has given us our first look at the incredible power of AMD’s new processors. But this new tech also brings new questions and GPD WIN MAX 3 predictions.
We have a very strong clue about what’s next. In a recent IndieGoGo comment, GPD mentioned that the next GPD WIN Mini model wouldn’t feature the AMD Ryzen MAX+ 395 processor, citing the physical size constraints of the Mini’s small chassis. However, they did mention that a new GPD WIN MAX might be coming later.
This all but confirms a new device is in the pipeline (why mention it otherwise?), and it’s logical to assume this will be the “GPD WIN MAX 3.” Based on this, and the jaw-dropping performance of the GPD WIN 5, we can piece together a speculative preview of what this exciting new handheld laptop might bring.
What’s in a Name? The ‘GPD WIN MAX 3’ Logic
Let’s start with the name. “GPD WIN MAX 3” is the most logical title. It follows the naming convention of its predecessors, but there’s a clever potential double-meaning. The “3” could also be a nod to the new line of AMD processors it’s expected to use: the AMD Ryzen MAX+ 395 and MAX 385. It’s a simple, effective, and marketable name that makes perfect sense.
Evolution, Not Revolution: Design and Form Factor
The laptop-style form factor of the WIN MAX series is its defining feature, but its physical size is now a major point of speculation. The GPD WIN MAX 2 series set the standard with its 10.1-inch display, a size that balanced portability with a usable keyboard.
However, GPD could take one of two paths: either refine this 10.1-inch design or use this new generation to go even bigger. A move to a larger 11.6-inch or 13.3-inch screen would mean a proportionally larger chassis. This would offer huge benefits for cooling the new AMD chips and fitting a larger battery, though it would push the device from a mini-laptop into a true ultraportable category. This hybrid design has always made the WIN MAX series a unique portable gaming computer.
Gaming Meets Productivity: Hybrid Controls
One of the most beloved features of the WIN MAX 2 was the metal covers that slide into place to hide the gaming controls. This ingenious design choice allows the device to transform from a high-performance gaming handheld into a sleek, professional-looking ultrabook in seconds. We hope this feature makes a welcome return. Expect the familiar layout: dual analogue sticks, a D-pad, standard gaming buttons, trigger & shoulder buttons on the back corners, a good-sized keyboard, and a functional touchpad.
The Heart of the Beast: Proven AMD MAX+ Power
This is the very reason for the GPD WIN MAX 3’s existence. The new AMD Ryzen AI MAX+ 395 (with its Radeon 8060S GPU) and the AMD Ryzen AI MAX 385 (with its Radeon 8050S GPU) are not just “set to be” performance kings—they already are! Reading our GPD WIN 5 review, which uses these exact chips, shows a monumental leap in performance.
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At just 28W TDP, the MAX+ 395 delivers roughly double the performance of the previous generation. When you push the TDP, the results are staggering: we saw a 168% performance increase in Cyberpunk 2077 and a 92% increase in Forza Horizon 5. On the CPU front, the new chips deliver a massive 51% boost in multi-core performance in Cinebench. The larger chassis of a WIN MAX 3 would be the perfect home for this silicon, offering the cooling and power delivery to make this a truly top-tier mobile gaming PC.
A Feast for the Eyes: High Refresh Rate & OLED Hopes
The 60Hz display on the previous model was serviceable, but the performance we’ve seen from the new AMD chips practically demands a better screen. The most direct upgrade would be to stick with the 10.1-inch size but add modern specs.
However, as mentioned, GPD could be planning something bigger. A move to a larger, common laptop display size like 11.6 inches or 13.3 inches (like the GPD Duo display) is a real possibility. This would be a game-changer, offering a more immersive experience and more space for productivity.
Regardless of the size, we speculate the panel will get a high-refresh-rate option (90Hz, 120Hz, or 144Hz) and a potential upgrade to OLED, which is at the top of many users’ wish lists.
Small Form, Big Storage: The New Mini SSD Format
We’ve already seen GPD adopt the new BIWIN Mini SSD format in their GPD WIN 5. It is a near certainty that the GPD WIN MAX 3 will follow suit. This new standard allows for high-capacity NVMe storage in a tiny footprint. We saw around 1,700Mb/s read/write in the WIN 5 with just one PCIe lane, but the specs support two lanes for up to 3,800Mb’s. See our BIWIN Mini SSD review here for more details on it.
In the previous models, a secondary SSD slot was located on the bottom to expand the storage. Removing this slot and using Mini SSD frees up precious internal space for other components, like a larger battery or a more advanced cooling system for this compact gaming PC.
Powering the Beast: Internal Battery & High-Wattage Charging
One of the GPD WIN 5’s most controversial features was its external, modular battery. For the WIN MAX 3, we fully expect a return to a traditional, large-capacity internal battery. The laptop form factor and larger chassis simply provide ample space for it.
However, one thing it will likely share with the WIN 5 is the need for a high-wattage power supply. The new AMD MAX+ APUs are power-hungry when unleashed. To run at full tilt (like the 80W+ TDP seen on the WIN 5), it will almost certainly require a dedicated DC-in power brick.
We’d also expect it to support charging via its USB 4 port, though this might be limited to the 100W of the standard Power Delivery 3.0 protocol. Support for the newer PD 3.1 (which allows for 140W or more) would be a fantastic, high-end feature.
To OCuLink or Not to OCuLink?
This is now the most fascinating question. GPD has been a huge proponent of the OCuLink port for eGPUs. However, our tests on the GPD WIN 5 showed that its integrated Radeon 8060S GPU (at 80W) already outperforms the AMD Radeon 7600M XT found in the GPD G1 eGPU.
Given that the internal GPU is already more powerful than last-gen eGPU solutions, will GPD decide the OCuLink port is redundant? Or will they keep it for the hardcore enthusiasts who want to connect this handheld gaming computer to even more powerful, next-generation desktop cards? Given the “MAX” name implies maximum features, we lean towards it being included.
Extra Features and Wild Speculations
Beyond the core specs, what else could GPD pack in? A full-sized HDMI port for easy connection to a TV or monitor seems like a given, as it was present on previous WIN MAX models.
Here’s some pure speculation: what about a modular port? GPD has experimented with this idea before with the GPD Pocket 3 amongst others. A swappable module could allow users to add specific I/O like an RS-232 port (for industrial use), a KVM, an extra USB port, or even a 4G/5G SIM card slot. Freeing up the slot for the 4G module in previous models would allow for more internal space for battery and cooling.
Another exciting possibility, seen in devices like the GPD Pocket 4 and GPD MicroPC 2, is a 2-in-1 function. A twistable display that flips around to convert the device from a laptop into a thick tablet would be an incredible addition for media consumption and on-the-go use.
What Do YOU Want to See in the GPD WIN MAX 3 predictions?
Of course, this is all just educated speculation until GPD makes an official announcement. But the performance of the GPD WIN 5 has laid a clear and exciting foundation for what’s to come for the next great portable gaming PC.
What do you think? Do our predictions line up with your own? What are your “must-have” features for a GPD WIN MAX 3? Would you prefer a 10.1-inch OLED or a larger 13.3-inch 120Hz display? Is the OCuLink port still a deal-breaker for you, even with the new GPU’s power? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
