AMD Zen 6 CPUs would possibly combine RDNA 5 for improved iGPU efficiency

Rumor mill: Though AMD has been integrating graphics into latest generations of its mainstream desktop CPUs, that implementation has been considerably of an afterthought, with APUs receiving the corporate’s finest iGPUs. Nevertheless, a dependable supply means that this follow would possibly change with Zen 6.

Recognized leaker Everest lately claimed that Zen 6, a future lineup of AMD Ryzen CPUs, will incorporate graphics {hardware} primarily based on RDNA 5. If true, the rumor signifies a big shift in Group Crimson’s method to built-in graphics.

AMD lately launched the Ryzen 8000 collection of Zen 4 APUs, that includes RDNA 3-based built-in graphics chips. Whereas the Ryzen 8000 APUs processors ship spectacular iGPU efficiency, some customers would possibly nonetheless favor the sooner Ryzen 7000 CPUs, regardless of their inclusion of solely two RDNA 2-based cores, which severely limits their built-in graphics efficiency.

Memes apart, Medusa has RDNA 5 iGPU, skipping RDNA 4 https://t.co/NBgY6tUenR

– Everest (@Olrak29_) February 19, 2024

Moreover, there is no such thing as a proof that Zen 5 / Ryzen 9000 processors, anticipated later this yr, will likely be any totally different. Studies point out that AMD’s subsequent main processor lineup options the identical chiplet design, core depend, and IO-die as Zen 4, with efficiency enhancements coming from different areas.

Skipping a number of generations of RDNA graphics may point out an intention to equip Ryzen processors with a lot stronger iGPUs. It stays to be seen how this shift will have an effect on future APUs, as their significance may wane if different merchandise provide satisfactory graphics capabilities.

The event of future recreation consoles is one other side to think about in relation to imminent AMD {hardware}. Everest beforehand claimed that Sony’s next-generation PlayStation 6 would make the most of Zen 6 and RDNA 5. Microsoft would possibly additionally choose for a similar technology of AMD graphics for its subsequent Xbox console. Concentrating on consoles would give RDNA 5 higher significance in AMD’s roadmap than RDNA 4.

Concerning RDNA 4, which AMD would possibly unveil someday in 2024, it’s instructed that it’ll solely goal mid-range merchandise. This method may mirror the technique of RDNA 1, which lacked enthusiast-class desktop GPUs.

Not a lot else is understood concerning Zen 6. Everest refers back to the lineup as “Medusa,” however it has beforehand carried the codename “Morpheus.” It is anticipated to characteristic a 2.5D interconnect for considerably elevated bandwidth and use TSMC’s upcoming 2nm course of node. DigiTimes lately reported that TSMC plans to start 2nm threat manufacturing in late 2024, with mass manufacturing hopefully following subsequent yr, so Zen 6 may emerge in 2025 or 2026.