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| The ThinkPad P16s Gen 5 is currently the only AMD-powered laptop that one can purchase with LPCAMM2 RAM. |
If you’ve been patiently waiting for a next-gen mobile workstation that doesn’t require taking out a second mortgage, your timing might just be perfect. Earlier this week, Lenovo started selling the ThinkPad P16s Gen 5 with Intel’s brand-new Panther Lake processors—and that was big news on its own. But here’s where things get interesting.
While the world was watching the Intel launch, Lenovo quietly snuck AMD-based models onto the market in at least one region. And not only are they available earlier than expected, but they’re also being offered at a surprisingly deep discount compared to their Intel-backed siblings.
Let’s break down what’s happening, because this could be the workstation deal of the early summer.
Intel First, AMD… Also Now, Kind Of
Back in March, Lenovo unveiled both Intel and AMD versions of the ThinkPad P16s Gen 5. At the time, the company said the Intel Panther Lake models would land in May, while the AMD variants would trail behind until June. That made sense on paper—Intel usually gets the spotlight first.
But as we’ve seen time and again, the laptop market doesn’t always follow the script. Lenovo has already started selling AMD-based P16s Gen 5 workstations in Australia, effectively leapfrogging its own release schedule. For now, this seems limited to the Australian market, but it’s a strong signal that global availability might be right around the corner.
For context, the Gen 4 model we reviewed back in December 2025 is still available (you can find it on Amazon for around $2,699 if you need a proven workhorse), but the Gen 5 brings some serious next-gen upgrades.
Australian Pricing: AMD Wins the Value Battle
Here’s where things get wallet-friendly. After playing around with Lenovo’s online configurator (as one does), current pricing shakes out like this:
- AMD-based ThinkPad P16s Gen 5 starting at AUD 2,979 (roughly $2,129 USD)
- Intel-based models starting at AUD 3,529 (roughly $2,522 USD)
That’s a difference of about 3,307), which makes the AMD option look even more tempting.
Of course, these are starting prices. Once you start adding better displays, more RAM, and discrete graphics, the gap could narrow. But for anyone looking to maximize performance-per-dollar, the AMD route is clearly the smarter play right now.
Under the Hood: AMD Ryzen AI and LPCAMM2 RAM (Yes, Really)
The base AMD configuration of the ThinkPad P16s Gen 5 comes with a Ryzen AI 5 Pro 440, a 1 TB SSD, integrated graphics, and 16 GB of LPCAMM2 RAM. That last bit is worth highlighting—this is one of the first AMD-powered laptops to ship with LPCAMM2 memory, which is a huge deal for upgradability and power efficiency.
If you need more grunt, you can step up to the Ryzen AI 7 Pro 450 or the flagship Ryzen AI 9 HX Pro 470. And here’s where things get really interesting: moving up to those higher-tier chips unlocks the option to add discrete Nvidia graphics, including:
- RTX Pro 500 Blackwell
- RTX Pro 1000 Blackwell
- RTX Pro 2000 Blackwell
So yes, you can build a seriously powerful mobile workstation with AMD processing and Nvidia graphics inside the same chassis. That’s not something you see every day.
Memory, Storage, and Display Options Galore
Lenovo isn’t skimping on configurability. The ThinkPad P16s Gen 5 supports LPCAMM2 RAM running at 8,533 MT/s in capacities of 32 GB, 64 GB, and even 96 GB. That’s desktop-level memory bandwidth in a 16-inch laptop.
Storage-wise, you can choose between PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 5.0 SSDs, which means blistering read/write speeds if you opt for the newer standard. Battery choices are also available: a 60 Wh pack for lighter weight, or a 90 Wh battery for all-day endurance.
The display lineup is equally flexible. The base screen is fine, but the real star is the optional 1800p (2.8K) OLED panel with 500 nits peak brightness and a 30-120 Hz variable refresh rate. That’s a dream for creative professionals who need accurate colors and smooth scrolling.
Wait, Where Can I Buy One?
Right now, Lenovo is only selling the AMD version through its Australian store. If you’re in the US, Europe, or elsewhere, you’ll have to hold tight. But given how quietly this launched, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a broader rollout in the coming weeks.
For the official Australian listing, head here:
Lenovo Australia – ThinkPad P16s Gen 5 AMD
And if you want to catch up on the full timeline of this laptop’s journey, check out these detailed reports:
- Lenovo Finally Unleashes ThinkPad P16s Gen 5
- ThinkPad P16s Gen 5 Breaks Tradition
- RAM Prices Are Skyrocketing – Here’s Why (important context for LPCAMM2 adoption)
The Bottom Line
Lenovo’s quiet Australian launch of the AMD ThinkPad P16s Gen 5 is a pleasant surprise. It’s faster to market than expected, significantly cheaper than the Intel alternative, and offers a level of customization (LPCAMM2, Blackwell GPUs, OLED displays) that competing workstations often lack.
If you’re in Australia, this is a no-brainer to at least spec out. If you’re elsewhere, keep an eye on Lenovo’s regional stores—this is likely the first domino to fall.
And if you need a reliable Gen 4 model right now (still a fantastic machine), you can grab one on Amazon:
Check the ThinkPad P16s Gen 4 on Amazon
Otherwise, the Gen 5 AMD is shaping up to be the mobile workstation to beat in 2026. We’ll update as soon as Lenovo confirms pricing for other markets.
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