AMD Unveils Game-Changing AI Chips at CES 2026 – OpenAI Partnership Takes Center Stage

AMD just dropped the mic at CES 2026. The chipmaker's latest silicon isn't just an upgrade—it's a direct shot across the bow of the entire AI hardware landscape.

The OpenAI Factor: More Than Just a Press Release

Forget vague 'strategic alignments.' This partnership has teeth. OpenAI's models are reportedly running on AMD's new architecture right now—a move that could seriously dent Nvidia's near-monopoly. It's not about competing on specs anymore; it's about who owns the AI development pipeline from silicon to software.

Why This CES Reveal Actually Matters

CES is often a graveyard of forgotten prototypes. Not this time. AMD brought working silicon, benchmark numbers that made analysts do a double-take, and a roadmap that extends years into the future. The message was clear: they're playing for keeps in the trillion-dollar AI inference market.

The Financial Angle (Cue the Cynicism)

Wall Street's initial reaction? A predictable blend of cautious optimism and spreadsheet gymnastics. Because nothing says 'innovation' like a dozen analysts arguing over whether this moves the needle on next quarter's EPS by two cents. Meanwhile, the actual tech could reshape entire industries.

The bottom line: AMD isn't just selling chips anymore. They're selling an alternative future for AI compute—and some of the biggest names in tech are already buying in. Whether that translates to stock gains is a question for the finance folks. The disruption, however, is already here.

TLDR

• AMD CEO Lisa Su unveiled the MI455 AI processors and MI440X enterprise chip at CES 2026 in Las Vegas.
• OpenAI President Greg Brockman appeared on stage, confirming chip advancements are critical to OpenAI’s computing needs.
• AMD previewed the MI500 chip for 2027, claiming 1,000 times the performance of older versions.
• The company launched Ryzen AI 400 Series processors and Ryzen AI Max+ chips for AI PCs and gaming.
• AMD stock edged higher following the announcements, with Wall Street analysts maintaining a Strong Buy rating and $282.33 average price target.

AMD CEO Lisa Su took the stage at CES 2026 in Las Vegas to reveal several new AI chip offerings. The presentation included the MI455 AI processors and the MI440X enterprise chip.

$AMD AMD Data Center at CES:

• Introduces "Helios" AI Rack.
• MI455X 10x Performance vs. MI355X.
• MI500 coming in 2027 with a massive leap. pic.twitter.com/zQf4uj0Y4N

— App Economy Insights (@EconomyApp) January 6, 2026

The MI455 processors are components in data center server racks. AMD is selling these racks to companies like OpenAI, the Maker of ChatGPT.

Su also unveiled the MI440X during Monday’s event. This chip is a version of the MI400 series designed for on-premise business use.

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., AMD

The MI440X fits into existing infrastructure that wasn’t specifically built for AI clusters. It’s based on an earlier chip that the U.S. plans to use in a supercomputer.

OpenAI President Greg Brockman joined Su on stage. He said chip advancements are critical to OpenAI’s vast computing needs.

The appearance underscored the partnership between AMD and OpenAI. In October, AMD signed a deal with OpenAI worth billions of dollars in annual revenue.

Future Chip Performance

Su previewed the MI500 chip during the presentation. The company claims it offers 1,000 times the performance of an older processor version.

AMD plans to launch the MI500 in 2027. The chip represents the company’s roadmap for future AI computing needs.

Su also hosted Daniele Pucci, CEO of Generative Bionics. Pucci unveiled GENE.01, a humanoid robot powered by AMD technology.

“Our first commercial humanoid robot will be manufactured in the second half of 2026,” Pucci said at the event.

PC Chips and Market Position

AMD launched its Ryzen AI 400 Series processors for AI PCs on Monday. The company also introduced Ryzen AI Max+ chips for advanced local inference and gaming.

These Zen 5-powered Ryzen AI Embedded processors run AI closer to where data is created. They don’t rely on massive cloud systems for processing.

AMD faces competition from Nvidia, which showed off its next-generation Vera Rubin platform on the same day. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said the six-chip platform is in full production.

Intel also held a launch event for its Panther Lake chips. Those chips became available for order on Tuesday.

AMD stock ticked higher following the CES announcements. Wall Street analysts maintain a Strong Buy rating on the stock.

The first deployment of AI chips incorporating AMD’s MI400 series will roll out this year. AMD expects the OpenAI deal to lead to additional new sales from other customers in Santa Clara, California.