Is the AMD 395 and similar SoCs/APUs with built-in graphics truly revolutionary?
Is the AMD 395 and similar SoCs/APUs with built-in graphics truly revolutionary?
I was surprised when I first learned about the Asus z13 last year, but after the new AMD chips were revealed that also include an integrated GPU from the 8060s lineup, my impression has changed. I'm no longer impressed.
Unless you need a particular setup, the benefits of a unified RAM compared to a mini-ITX with a desktop 4060 or 5060 are minimal.
Assuming a comparison is made between the Z13 and the previous Z13, the latter is noted to be smaller and lighter even with a bigger battery. The main reason it isn’t appearing more often seems to be related to cost. Until recently announced SKUs are released that offer the fastest GPU available, the need for a top CPU also became essential.
In the handheld segment, devices are typically priced about $300 more than standard AMD APUs, indicating a significant price gap and performance levels comparable to low-end graphics. Most manufacturers seem to pair cheaper CPUs with lower-end GPUs to boost margins. Strix Halo appears justified only when extra VRAM or power/space limitations are required. With the upcoming 8-core model featuring the 8060S, this situation might shift.
The approach taken by AMD with Strix Halo seems appropriate for devices within its target power range. However, the price remains a concern unless the CPU component is also being emphasized. It will be worth watching whether future updates address this or if AMD will revert to more conventional APU designs.