As I thought, regarding the AMD APU desktop version, it seemed to have been forgotten already, but the latest rumors suggest that two processor families will be released simultaneously. Sooner or later, they will connect to the AM5 socket boards. What can we expect from this unexpected move by the brand?
As we mentioned a few days ago, the biggest mistake for us is the AMD APU. APUs look great on paper, and with their technology, they could create excellent chips, like separate chips for PlayStation and mobile devices, where they feel justified. However, for PCs, they don’t seem to appeal to anyone. They are in a no man’s land, and therefore, not attractive for specific use cases. The result? As in the case right before our eyes, there is a need to improvise and create new versions to output these processors.
AMD Laptop and Desktop Processors
Desktop CPUs are usually connected to a socket that allows installation and uninstallation from the socket on the motherboard. However, in reality, Intel and AMD solder their processors to a small board called an interposer, which routes the chip’s pins to the socket. This allows for things like transplanting chips from desktops to laptops, with the middle board being removed from the equation or vice versa, where chips are soldered.
AMD has decided to move laptop Ryzen microprocessors, which are different chips for desktops, so that they can be installed on AM4-compatible motherboards. We’re talking about Ryzen 4000G and Ryzen 5000G, which initially targeted the pre-built PC market before being sold in boxes. These are just a means for Lisa Su’s company to dispose of excess laptop chips. The difference from the conventional version? A much more powerful integrated GPU, but reduced processing power due to less cache.
AMD APU returns to desktops, this time for Socket AM5.
Just when we thought the so-called AMD APU would never return to desktop computers, we came across rumors of a Ryzen 5 6000 series processor compatible with the AM7000 board, which is expected to be released soon. The first two are the Ryzen 7040G, based on the eponymous architecture of the Zen 3+ architecture that debuted for laptops last year, and what’s already circulating in the market. What’s left for us is the current Ryzen 5 for laptops, which also has a desktop version.
All of this assumes the revival of AMD APUs for desktop computers, which isn’t surprising after a long absence, as the last release of this type dates back to 2021. However, this scenario depicts an inability to place all the necessary chips in laptops. After all, these AM5 socket chips were not planned in the company’s roadmap, which means, as mentioned before, this is an exercise to clear inventory.
Nevertheless, not everything should be seen from the negative side. For those who want to use a MiniPC with everything integrated and without additional expansions, these chips offer the best performance among all. Furthermore, it’s now possible to assemble low-cost boxes without having to pay extra charges for a complete configuration.
