AMD Ryzen 7000 CPUs Feature Integrated RDNA 2 Graphics With Up to 2 CUs

AMD’s upcoming Ryzen 7000 CPUs will feature integrated RDNA 2 graphics with up to 2 compute units (CUs). This represents a major upgrade over previous Ryzen integrated graphics and brings AMD closer to parity with Intel in CPU graphics performance.

Overview of Ryzen 7000 Integrated Graphics

The Ryzen 7000 processors will leverage AMD’s new Zen 4 CPU architecture and be manufactured on TSMC’s 5nm process node. This alone provides a big performance uplift. However, AMD is also upgrading the integrated graphics substantially.

Previous Ryzen CPUs featured Vega graphics architecture with up to 11 CUs. With RDNA 2, AMD is moving to a more advanced and efficient graphics architecture. Although the CU count is lower at just 2, RDNA 2 CUs provide much higher performance and efficiency versus Vega.

Some key advantages of RDNA 2 graphics include:

• Higher IPC (instructions per cycle)
• Improved power efficiency
• Support for new graphics features like ray tracing
• Leverages AMD Infinity Cache for reduced memory latency

The integrated graphics will provide plenty of power for basic desktop needs like video playback and light gaming. It also gives AMD a boost relative to Intel’s integrated graphics.

Comparing AMD and Intel Integrated Graphics

AMD’s previous integrated Vega graphics were quite a bit behind Intel’s offerings in terms of performance. However, with RDNA 2, AMD has closed the gap significantly.

Here’s a brief comparison between new Ryzen 7000 and current Intel 12th Gen Core integrated graphics:

• Ryzen 7000: Up to 2 RDNA 2 CUs
• Intel Core i9-12900: Up to 32 Xe-LP GPU execution units

Intel still has more raw graphics resources. However, RDNA 2 provides substantially higher efficiency and performance per CU. Benchmarks will be required to see exact performance differences, but AMD should be much more competitive now in integrated graphics.

This will provide a more balanced CPU platform for AMD across both compute and graphics workloads. It also gives them a better solution for laptops and other devices where discrete GPUs aren’t practical.

Benefits of Integrated RDNA 2 Graphics

Here are some of the key benefits that RDNA 2 integrated graphics provide for Ryzen 7000 processors and AMD platforms:

• Good mainstream gaming performance – The latest games can be played smoothly at 1080p and moderate quality settings. More than capable for incidental gaming.
• Smooth video playback – Hardware acceleration for 4K and even 8K video playback if needed.
• Better graphics productivity – Quicker performance in graphics apps like photo and video editing software.
• Smaller device footprint – Can help enable smaller form factors by removing the need for a discrete GPU.
• Lower cost – Integrated graphics lower the overall platform cost compared to pairing a CPU and discrete GPU.

AMD is clearly committed to more competitive integrated graphics with Ryzen 7000. For many mainstream users, RDNA 2 graphics will provide plenty of power without needing a separate graphics card. It puts AMD on better footing against Intel and allows them to better compete in key segments like laptops and pre-built desktops.

Final Thoughts on Ryzen 7000 Integrated Graphics

The Zen 4 architecture and 5nm process will provide a big uplift for Ryzen 7000 already. Integrated RDNA 2 graphics gives these upcoming CPUs another major boost. With up to 2 RDNA 2 compute units, Ryzen 7000 can deliver good mainstream gaming and graphics performance without the need for a discrete GPU.

It’s an important upgrade that brings AMD closer to parity with Intel integrated graphics. For many users, Ryzen 7000 integrated graphics will be more than sufficient for their needs. We’ll have to wait for real-world testing to see exactly how these new RDNA 2 iGPUs compare against Intel’s offerings. But on paper, AMD is making excellent progress on integrated graphics to complement their powerful CPU cores.