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 apply would possibly change with Zen 6.
Recognized leaker Everest just lately claimed that Zen 6, a future lineup of AMD Ryzen CPUs, will incorporate graphics {hardware} based mostly on RDNA 5. If true, the rumor signifies a major shift in Crew Purple’s strategy to built-in graphics.
AMD just lately launched the Ryzen 8000 sequence 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 desire 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 isn’t any proof that Zen 5 / Ryzen 9000 processors, anticipated later this yr, might be any completely 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 might 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 might wane if different merchandise provide sufficient graphics capabilities.
The event of future sport consoles is one other facet 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 may additionally choose for a similar technology of AMD graphics for its subsequent Xbox console. Focusing on consoles would give RDNA 5 larger significance in AMD’s roadmap than RDNA 4.
Concerning RDNA 4, which AMD would possibly unveil someday in 2024, it’s urged that it’ll solely goal mid-range merchandise. This strategy might 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,” nevertheless it has beforehand carried the codename “Morpheus.” It is anticipated to function a 2.5D interconnect for considerably elevated bandwidth and use TSMC’s upcoming 2nm course of node. DigiTimes just lately reported that TSMC plans to start 2nm threat manufacturing in late 2024, with mass manufacturing hopefully following subsequent yr, so Zen 6 might emerge in 2025 or 2026.