To install AMD Ross agent skills safely, start with AMD’s official Ross downloads and linked GitHub repository, then follow the instructions for the specific skill and IDE or CLI you use. Ross skills are structured SKILL.md workflow files—not a standalone assistant or a universal installer. Set up and license the AMD tools the workflow needs, and obtain MCP server software when the workflow depends on MCP. HLS skills are the exception: AMD says they use standard command-line tools such as v++ and vitis-run without MCP.
What AMD Ross skills are—and what they are not
AMD describes Ross as a combination of tool connections through MCP servers, a documentation knowledge base, agent skills and design examples. A skill is an expert-authored workflow for supported AMD design, optimization or debugging tasks. Its SKILL.md file provides task steps, guidance for interpreting results and possible fixes; it is not the assistant, AMD toolchain or MCP server by itself.
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That distinction matters during setup: getting a skill file does not install Vivado or Vitis, grant a tool license, configure an IDE, or create a connection to an MCP server. AMD’s Ross overview and downloads page describe those as related but separate parts of the workflow.
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Match the skill to the AMD workflow
Identify whether the task uses Vivado, Vitis HLS or another supported embedded-design workflow. AMD’s FAQ lists Vivado support for all versions and Vitis HLS support for version 2025.2 and later. Check the current Ross documentation for the particular skill’s requirements; support for a tool family does not establish that every skill works with every tool version or client.
#1 Best Overall
- Built for Local AI Development: AMD Ryzen AI Halo is designed for local AI development and inference, featuring 128GB unified memory and support for up to 200B parameter models to build and run intensive AI workloads locally.
- 128GB Unified Memory: Features 128GB LPDDR5x unified memory at 8000 MT/s with 256 GB/s memory bandwidth, providing a shared memory pool across the CPU, GPU, and NPU to support larger AI models.
- AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 Processor: Features 16 cores, 32 threads, and Zen 5 architecture, paired with AMD Radeon 8060S integrated graphics featuring 40 RDNA 3.5 compute units and an AMD XDNA 2 NPU with up to 50 TOPS.
- Linux AI Developer Platform: Purpose-built for Linux-based AI development with full AMD ROCm software support and preloaded tools, models, and workflows optimized for local AI development.
- Compact, Connected Design: Includes a 2TB M.2 SSD, 10GbE LAN, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, USB-C connectivity, and HDMI 2.1b.
Choose an IDE or CLI that fits the integration
AMD names VS Code, Cursor, Devin, Claude Code, GitHub Copilot CLI and Codex CLI as examples. Compatibility depends on the relevant MCP servers for MCP-backed workflows. HLS skills have a documented MCP-free route. Do not assume that the same setup steps or skill location apply unchanged across all clients.
Confirm tools, licensing and access
- Install the AMD tools required by the workflow and confirm you have the applicable licenses.
- Set up the selected IDE or CLI and access to your preferred LLM.
- If the workflow needs an MCP connection or MCP-backed knowledge, obtain the matching server software from AMD. The getting-started information lists Windows and Linux MCP server downloads.
AMD says Ross itself does not require an additional license beyond applicable AMD tool licenses. Its overview also says sign-in with AMD credentials is required for the described setup. Confirm current access and licensing requirements in AMD’s documentation for your tools and deployment.
Rank #2
- EVOLUTION AMD RYZEN AI MAX+ 395 MINI PC - GMKtec EVO-X2 is the next evolution in AI mini PC Ryzen Strix Halo series. Thanks to AMD Simultaneous Multithreading (SMT) the core-count is effectively doubled, to 32 threads. Ryzen AI Max+ 395 has 64 MB of L3 cache and can boost up to 5.1 GHz, depending on the workload. The Ryzen AI Max+ 395 is currently rated as the "most powerful x86 APU" on the market for AI computing.
- AI NPU with XDNA 2 ARCHITECTURE - Powered by 16 “Zen 5” CPU cores, 50+ peak AI TOPS XDNA 2 NPU and a truly massive integrated GPU driven by 40 AMD RDNA 3.5 CUs, the Ryzen AI MAX+ 395 is a transformative upgrade and delivers a significant performance boost over the competition. The Ryzen AI Max+ 395 excels in consumer AI workloads like the llama.cpp-powered application: LM Studio. Shaping up to be the must-have app for client LLM workloads, LM Studio allows users to locally run the latest language model without any technical knowledge required and unleash their creativity and productivity.
- AMD RADEON 8090S iGPU GAMING PC - The AMD Radeon RX 8060S offers all 40 CUs with up to 2.9 GHz graphics clock and uses the new RDNA 3.5 architecture. The powerful iGPU is positioned between an RTX 4060 and 4070 laptop GPU and therefore enables gaming in FHD at maximum details in most demanding games. The 8060S can also utilize the full 64GB pool, which is perfect for running LLMs such as Deepseek 32B, which runs comfortably on this machine.
- EIGHT CHANNEL LPDDR5X - LPDDR5X is a new ground breaking memory small form factor installed on-board. With blazing speeds up to to 8000MT/s, it runs 1.5x faster than the DDR5 SODIMMs; 90% better performance over DDR5 SODIMMs in video conferencing and photo editing; 30% better performance in productivity apps; 4% better performance in digital content workloads.
- QUAD SCREEN 8K DISPLAY SUPPORT - EVO-X2 AI Mini PC support 4-screen 4K/8K output via HDMI 2.1 (8K@60Hz), DisplayPort 1.4 (4K@60Hz), and dual USB 4 40Gbps Transfer speed (supporting PD3.0/DP1.4/DATA). Ideal for gaming, video editing, and multitasking, it provides expansive and crisp multi-display support.
Install a Ross skill using the instructions for your client
- Open AMD’s official Ross downloads page. Use AMD Ross Agentic AI Assistant Downloads to find the current downloads and the link to AMD’s Ross GitHub repository.
- Obtain the skill materials from the repository. AMD says the skills and design examples are available by cloning the repository or downloading its ZIP. Use the repository’s current instructions for the specific skill and client rather than treating either method as a complete, universal installation recipe.
- Read the chosen
SKILL.mdand setup guidance. Check the workflow steps, required tools, commands and any client-specific configuration before applying them. AMD identifies.claude/skills/as a workspace location in its FAQ, but do not assume that location is correct for other clients. - Configure the required connection, if any. For MCP-backed work, use the corresponding AMD server download and the client-specific configuration guidance. For HLS skills, follow the documented command-line workflow; AMD says these skills work directly with source code and HLS project files through
v++andvitis-run, not MCP. - Try a documented design example. AMD’s getting-started sequence recommends following an example and running a first workflow. There is no single validation command prescribed for every client and skill. As practical checks, confirm the intended skill is discoverable in your client and that any required AMD tool or MCP connection is available before using it on a design project.
Manage skill versions and updates separately from Vivado and Vitis
AMD says Ross has a monthly release cadence independent of regular Vivado and Vitis releases. Updating Vivado or Vitis therefore should not be assumed to update Ross skills, its MCP servers or its VS Code extension. Likewise, a Ross update does not establish that the AMD toolchain has changed.
Before updating, check both AMD’s downloads page for server or extension versions and the linked repository for skill changes and release notes. The version information is time-sensitive: on October 4, 2026, AMD’s downloads page listed the VS Code extension as vivado-ai-extension-2026.9.1.vsix, with a September 29, 2026 update date. Those details can change, so check the page when you download rather than relying on a remembered version.
Rank #3
- ▶ FLAGSHIP AMD RYZEN AI MAX+ 395 MINI PC – Packing 16 Zen 5 cores, 32 threads (via SMT), 64MB L3 cache, and a 5.1GHz boost clock. Delivers 126 TOPS total AI compute – including a 50 TOPS XDNA 2 NPU, 25% above Microsoft Copilot+ standard. Run 70B+ LLMs locally, keep data private, and tackle 8K editing, compiling, and rendering simultaneously. Recognized as the "most powerful x86 APU" for AI – a true game‑changer for creators, researchers, and power users.
- ▶ AMD RADEON 8060S iGPU – DESKTOP‑GRADE GAMING & CREATION – No discrete GPU needed. With 40 RDNA 3.5 compute units and dynamic memory allocation (up to 96GB), play AAA titles at 1440p high settings, accelerate 8K video exports in DaVinci Resolve, or generate AI art locally. Outperforms RTX 4060 laptop GPUs in benchmarks – all in a silent, compact chassis that fits anywhere.
- ▶ 128GB LPDDR5X‑8000MHz + 2TB SSD + DUAL M.2 SLOTS – Onboard 128GB memory at 8000MHz offers 45% more bandwidth than LPDDR5 for blazing‑fast AI loading and seamless multitasking. GPU shares this pool to run 70B+ LLMs with ease. Pre‑installed 2TB PCIe 4.0 SSD, plus a second M.2 slot for expansion up to 8TB or RAID. Store massive datasets, 8K footage, and game libraries – scale as your needs grow.
- ▶2.5GbE + Wi-Fi 7 + BT 5.4 — The mini computers come with 2.5GbE LAN ports enable firewall, link aggregation, soft routing, and NAS applications. Built-in Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 offer stable, high-speed wireless connections for projectors, printers, monitors, speakers, and more—ideal for a versatile, clutter-free workspace.
- ▶QUAD 8K DISPLAY OUTPUT & DUAL USB4 – M5 Mini PC drives four 8K@60Hz monitors via HDMI 2.1, DP 1.4, and dual USB4 (40Gbps, Thunderbolt 4 compatible, PD & DP Alt Mode). HDMI and DP each support 8K@60Hz; USB4 handles both video and high‑speed data. Perfect for immersive gaming, professional video walls, or complex multitasking – plus charge devices directly from USB4 ports.
AMD says users can extend existing skills or create their own. If you customize a workflow, keep track of which instructions you changed and check them against later upstream updates. The official pages do not describe a universal update or removal command for every skill and client; use the current repository and client guidance for those operations.
Use a careful, project-scoped workflow
AMD’s official pages describe Ross capabilities and distribution channels, but do not publish a detailed security threat model or promise that every workflow is safe or deterministic. AMD specifically cautions that AI workflow results can vary between runs, models and prompt phrasing. Treat a skill as instructions to review and supervise, not as a guarantee of correct design changes.
Rank #4
- Built for Local AI Development: AMD Ryzen AI Halo is designed for local AI development and inference, featuring 128GB unified memory and support for up to 200B parameter models to build and run intensive AI workloads locally.
- 128GB Unified Memory: Features 128GB LPDDR5x unified memory at 8000 MT/s with 256 GB/s memory bandwidth, providing a shared memory pool across the CPU, GPU, and NPU to support larger AI models.
- AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 Processor: Features 16 cores, 32 threads, and Zen 5 architecture, paired with AMD Radeon 8060S integrated graphics featuring 40 RDNA 3.5 compute units and an AMD XDNA 2 NPU with up to 50 TOPS.
- Windows 11 Pro AI Developer Platform: Built for AI development on Windows 11 Pro with AMD ROCm software support and access to tools, models, and workflows for local AI development.
- Compact, Connected Design: Includes a 2TB M.2 SSD, 10GbE LAN, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, USB-C connectivity, and HDMI 2.1b.
- Get skill files and server software through AMD’s official pages and the repository they link to.
- Read the skill instructions and inspect commands before running them, especially where they can modify project files or invoke tools.
- Apply the workflow to the intended project and verify generated or changed files before relying on them.
- Check applicable tool licenses, network access and MCP requirements for your environment. AMD also describes a supported air-gapped route using a deployed local documentation database, embedding model and MCP server; use AMD’s deployment guidance for that setup.
Quick route comparison
| Setup route | What it is for | Important distinction |
|---|---|---|
| VS Code extension | Using Ross through the AMD extension and its supported workflow | Check AMD’s current extension download and version; it is managed separately from Vivado and Vitis. |
| Compatible IDE or CLI with MCP | MCP-backed workflows using a client such as Cursor, Devin, Claude Code, GitHub Copilot CLI or Codex CLI | Client compatibility depends on the relevant MCP server and client-specific configuration. |
| HLS skill without MCP | Vitis HLS work using source and project files | AMD documents use of standard commands such as v++ and vitis-run without an MCP server. |
| Local or air-gapped deployment | Supported deployment using local documentation resources | AMD describes a local documentation database, embedding model and MCP server; follow its deployment-specific instructions. |
For the exact files, supported client setup and current version, begin with AMD’s Ross overview and official downloads, then follow the repository guidance for the chosen skill.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Powerful AI Processor: Experience next-generation AI technology, greatly improve productivity, and bring unprecedented high peraformance with the latest AMD Ryzen Al 9 HX 370 processor (Up to 5.1 GHz, 12 Cores / 24 Threads). With the support of AMD Radeon 890M, you can play your favorite AAA games with smooth, stunning graphics and zero latency.
- Intelligent AI Assistant: Mini PC AI X1 Pro has a built-in new Copilot AI function and supports Recall function - just describe the details in your memory to retrieve the content you have recently browsed or used. At the same time, the built-in real-time subtitle translation provides subtitles simultaneously during video calls or watching movies. Press the dedicated Copilot button to activate the AI assistant in Windows 11, quickly answer questions, inspire creativity and improve work efficiency. In addition, the fingerprint sensor realizes fast and secure unlocking.
- Extreme audio experience and efficient noise reduction: Equipped with dual noise reduction DMIC and built-in speakers, you can enjoy clear and noise-free sound quality experience in video conferencing, audio and video entertainment and voice interaction. The audio system and AI assistant work seamlessly together to ensure intelligent and efficient workflows.
- High-speed connection and strong expansion performance: Equipped with dual USB4 interfaces to ensure fast and unimpeded data transmission and support connecting to eGPU through the OCuLink port, opening up a super-smooth gaming experience and a stunning visual feast. Supports three ultra-fast PCIe 4.0 SSDs(Total 1TB), supports a loading speed of up to 7000MB/s, and can be expanded to up to 12TB of storage; it is also equipped with up to 32GB 5600MHz DDR5 removable memory (up to 128GB), allowing multitasking with ease.
- Intelligent Cooling Design & Energy Saving: The CPU and SSD are equipped with independent fans, while the memory and built-in power supply feature an efficient heat dissipation design. This setup ensures enhanced thermal management throughout the system. Even under high load conditions, it maintains a full-load noise level as low as 45dB and keeps maximum power consumption at 65W. Additionally, the built-in 135W power adapter minimizes stability issues and noise associated with external power adapter connections.
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