For two generations now, together with desktop CPUs without integrated graphics, AMD has also been presenting APU. The fundamental difference between the two offers, in addition to the GPU, is represented by the architecture of the x86 cores, more advanced on CPUs without integrated graphics. In the case of the Ryzen 4000 desktops that we will see in the last part of the year, CPUs without graphics (codename Vermeer) will be based on Zen 3 architecture, while APUs on Zen 2 (Renoir).
The desktop APU project has its roots in what AMD offers in the notebook, where the company announced the Ryzen 4000 range of U and H series solutions in recent weeks, with processors up to 8 cores / 16 threads and Vega GPU capable of excellent performance, despite the more contained TDP typical of the mobile sector.
To date, AMD has only presented two desktop APUs per generation (Ryzen 3 2200G / 3200G – Ryzen 5 2400G / 3400G), placing them in the low end. We thought history could repeat itself, but apparently the company is ready to relaunch, also introducing up to 8 cores and 16 threads in the desktop environment, which would push the chips with integrated graphics out of the low end (at least performance-wise). On the other hand, Intel offers CPUs up to 10 cores with integrated graphics, so it is not illogical to believe that AMD can advance something similar.
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To confirm the leap forward of the APU with the next generation of Ryzen desktop we find it screenshot of a test done with Ashes of the Singularity on a processor identified as Ryzen 7 4700G. To track him down the usual leaker rogame. There is no detailed information on the APU in question, but it is rumored to have 8 CU Vega like the Ryzen 9 4900HS. However, keep in mind that unlike the notebook segment, where the maximum TDP of the APU is 45W, in the desktop environment we have seen models with 65W TDPso we may see higher peak frequencies. We also expect variants with a TDP of 35W.
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In conclusion, the Ryzen 4000 APU range may be more nourished than in the past, and a model with 8 cores and 16 threads could represent on paper a very interesting solution for those who want to create a compact HTPC, without forgetting however that the APU will still be able to be joined by a dedicated GPU. Price positioning remains to be understood, but we will certainly know more as the debut of the new AMD family approaches.
