AMD has been gaining traction in the desktop CPU market with its Ryzen 1000 CPU family. Despite having average Bulldozer-based CPU cores, AMD’s APUs with integrated graphics were well received for their competitive graphics performance. While there have been APUs in the AM4 lineup, the AM5 models with capable integrated graphics have been missing. However, recent reports suggest that AMD is preparing to release APUs with RDNA 3 integrated graphics, which could potentially revolutionize the market.
The latest firmware update, AGESA 1.0.8.0, includes support for an unannounced family of APUs based on the AMD Phoenix architecture. This new family, logically named the Ryzen 7000G series, is expected to fill the gap in AMD’s integrated graphics lineup. Asus has already released a new BIOS for its EX-B650M-V7 motherboard, which includes support for an “upcoming CPU.” As more AM5 BIOS updates are rolled out from different vendors, it is clear that the arrival of these highly anticipated APUs is imminent.
The Phoenix APUs are currently found in AMD laptops, with the Ryzen 9 7940HS being the top model in its range. Equipped with 8 cores, 16MB of L3 cache, and Radeon 780M integrated graphics with 12 CUs (or 768 stream processors), the performance of the Phoenix APU surpasses that of the previous generation’s Vega-based integrated graphics. Additionally, the upcoming Ryzen 7000G series based on Zen 4 architecture will further enhance the graphics performance. It is safe to say that the AM5 Phoenix chip will outperform both the Ryzen 5000G APUs and Intel’s Raptor Lake offerings.
The Ryzen 7000G series is expected to offer different variants at various price points. Cheaper models with fewer CUs are likely to be available, aiming to cater to budget-conscious users. For these models to succeed, aggressive pricing, similar to the six-core Ryzen 5 7600 and 7600X, will be crucial. These models have been priced as low as $200 during sales, providing an affordable option for gaming enthusiasts or professionals seeking an upgrade.
While specific benchmarks for the Phoenix APUs are not yet available, the performance of APU with a 12 CU Radeon 780M can be estimated by looking at the benchmarks for the Asus ROG Ally. The Ally is a handheld gaming device with significant power limitations compared to a desktop chip. However, it still delivers satisfactory gaming performance, especially for older or less demanding games like WoW or DOTA 2. With the inclusion of AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR), most modern games should be playable at 1080p, albeit with lower quality settings.
One of the advantages of desktop APUs is the flexibility to add a discrete graphics card in the future. Phoenix laptop APUs currently support 20 usable PCIe 4.0 lanes, which suggests the potential for a primary GPU slot of x16 or two slots of x8/x8, along with an additional x4 for an M.2 drive. As we await the release of Phoenix desktop APUs, it is exciting to consider their performance without the power constraints typically associated with laptops and handheld devices. Whether these APUs will become a viable option for gamers and professionals remains to be seen, but for those with outdated graphics cards, upgrading to a new system with a strong integrated graphics solution could offer an affordable and convenient solution.
AMD’s rumored release of APUs with RDNA 3 integrated graphics is generating significant anticipation in the tech community. The Ryzen 7000G series, based on the AMD Phoenix architecture, has the potential to deliver groundbreaking graphics performance. With variations in pricing and an upgrade path to add a discrete graphics card, these APUs could be a game-changer for both casual gamers and professionals seeking an affordable yet powerful solution. As we await the official announcement and release of these APUs, it is an exciting time for AMD and its dedicated fan base.
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