We are going to review what we know so far and look at these new images of the interior of it. There are some surprises about this second model of processors in the range phoenix.
Phoenix 2 APU inside
The first version of this processor, the original Phoenix, relied on integrated graphics that we will see again in this second version, although in a very different way, since it would have a hybrid configuration of Zen 4 and Zen 4c.
Previously, we already saw images of the AMD Phoenix 2 APUs, specifically the Ryzen 5 7540U and Ryzen 3 7440U models. However, current photographs provide us with a more detailed look at the design of these chips. It can be seen that AMD will include a large L3 cache memory, in addition to a 2+4 core configuration (Zen 4 / Zen 4C). Likewise, the matrices will also have support for DDR5 and LPDDR5 interfaces, which indicates that AMD has plans to integrate these APUs into laptops and compact systems such as the Steam Deck. These would have a configuration of 6 cores and 12 threads, along with an iGPU with 4 CUs.
This configuration would offer us lower consumption at the same power, something essential to integrate into this type of portable consoles and lightweight devices, where the greatest possible autonomy at the lowest weight is sought.
Likewise, these would also be smaller. According to amd, up to 35% size reduction. Something that would also help a lot with the aforementioned.
According to the tests carried out, the 4c cores perform practically the same as the classic Zen 4 with a fixed frequency of 3.2 GHz.
The strong point would come with respect to consumption and efficiency, since even the integrated RDNA 3 graphics that these APUs will have, called GFX103, would be the same ones that we could already see in the first Phoenix.
In summary, we do not see major differences compared to its predecessor in terms of performance and general characteristics, however, they are betting on a low consumption and smaller size, trying, as we said, to be a key player in the manufacture of devices that seek autonomy in a small space. Necessary for a Steam Deck 2, for example?
For now we will have to wait a little longer to see everything in operation and check if they have really achieved that same efficiency in a 35% smaller size. A non-negligible percentage that could mark the composition of many devices that we will see from now on. We would also like to know if this improvement in consumption is reflected on the end user or are we talking about data so insignificant that we will barely appreciate it. Since this could be the key point of this new device.
What do you think? Is it really a big change or to achieve the same power, don’t you think a new version should have been released? At least until more substantial changes are achieved.