AMD's First Hybrid CPUs for Laptops
AMD is set to release its first hybrid CPUs for laptops later this year, following in the footsteps of Intel. The company recently unveiled the Phoenix 2 chip at CES, and leaked images suggest that it will feature multiple CPU core designs tailored for different use cases. Notably, the Phoenix 2 chip will be significantly smaller than its predecessor, with a size reduction from 178mm2 to 137mm2.
The Ryzen 7 7840U Leak
The first leak about the Ryzen 7 7840U comes from MySmartPrice, which references a DigiTimes report. While the graphics capabilities of the Phoenix 2 chip will be reduced from 12 CUs to 4 CUs, the most intriguing aspect lies in the CPU side.
Currently, the Ryzen 7 7840U and Ryzen Z1 Extreme offer the full eight-core configuration of the Phoenix APU, both featuring Zen 4 cores. However, the leak suggests that the Phoenix 2 chip will come in two versions: one with two Zen 4 cores and four Zen 4c cores, and another with two Zen 4 cores and two Zen 4c cores.
Different Core Configurations for Different Performance Targets
The latter configuration is particularly interesting as it signifies that AMD is making a clear distinction between core configurations with varying performance targets. Zen 4c cores are expected to be smaller and more efficient than full Zen 4 cores, with the main differences being a slightly lower clock speed target and a halved L3 cache of 2MB per core. Functionally and architecturally, Zen 4c is essentially the same as Zen 4, supporting two threads per core.
One notable difference is a lower clock speed target and a halved L3 cache.
The leaked specification sheet also indicates a maximum CPU clock of 4.9GHz, slightly lower than the Phoenix chip's 5.1GHz. It remains uncertain whether the 4.9GHz applies to both core types or only the full Zen 4 cores. If it pertains to the latter, it may suggest a performance deficit for the 4c core design.
It remains to be seen how AMD's approach to hybrid core designs will translate to its desktop CPUs. Recent rumors suggest that the upcoming Zen 5 CPUs, expected in 2024, will stick with a single full-performance architecture. However, considering AMD's history with cut-down cores in its ultra-low-power Ryzen 7020 series processors, future hybrid cores may be more similar in design and performance to its full-fat cores compared to Intel's Efficient cores.
We are eagerly awaiting the release of the hybrid CPUs for laptops and are curious to see how AMD's approach will stack up against Intel's. Currently, there is no information available regarding the consumer availability of the Phoenix 2 chip. We will keep you updated as soon as we receive more information. In the meantime, check out our recent review of the Steam Deck for our thoughts on Valve's handheld PC. We have also explored the Deck's accessories and delved into its battery life. Additionally, we have praised the Deck as the ultimate emulator, offering exciting possibilities for gaming enthusiasts like yourself.
