AMD has recently announced the introduction of new “F” versions of its Ryzen 8000 Series desktop APUs. These new chips, which include the Ryzen 7 8700F and the Ryzen 5 8400F, are designed without the integrated GPU. This essentially means that the graphics component has been disabled, resulting in what is essentially a CPU.
While details about the new “F” chips are limited, it is speculated that they are based on the Phoenix APU architecture with the graphics capability turned off. The Ryzen 7 8700F is expected to feature eight CPU cores, similar to the Ryzen 7 8700G APU with fully enabled graphics. On the other hand, the absence of an 8400G equivalent in AMD’s current product lineup suggests that the 8400F may offer a different core configuration.
Although pricing information for the new “F” models has not been released, it is anticipated that these APUs will be targeted towards budget-conscious consumers. The current Ryzen 7 8700 retails for around $329, making it an affordable option for users seeking high core count performance. However, the real test for the new 8700F will be its pricing compared to the Ryzen 7 7700, a similarly specced CPU that sells for around $309.
One important factor to consider is the performance of the Phoenix APUs when paired with a discrete GPU. Previous reviews have noted that the lower clock speeds and reduced cache size of the integrated GPU can impact overall system performance. This raises concerns about the value proposition of the new “F” models and whether they can offer comparable performance to existing Ryzen 7000 desktop alternatives.
As of now, there is no information on when the new “F” chips will be available in global markets. It is possible that AMD may initially launch these models in China before expanding to other regions. The company’s history of staggered product releases suggests that wider availability could be on the horizon for these APUs.
It is clear that AMD’s decision to introduce cut-down APUs like the Ryzen 8700F is driven by a need to clear existing inventory or salvage defective components. While these chips may offer a cost-effective solution for certain markets, consumers should carefully evaluate the performance trade-offs before making a purchase. Ultimately, the success of these new models will depend on their pricing and how they stack up against the competition.
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