AMD Quietly Launches New Ryzen Processors Lacking Integrated Graphics
This week, AMD quietly unveiled the Ryzen 7 8700F and Ryzen 5 8400F, two new additions to their Ryzen lineup. Unlike their predecessors, these processors forgo AMD's RDNA 3 integrated graphics-processing engines, marking a shift in strategy by focusing on pure processing power while omitting on-chip graphics capabilities.
The Ryzen 7 8700F and Ryzen 5 8400F are entry-level socket AM5 gaming chips without "iGPUs." Image (modified) used courtesy of AMD
Ryzen Bridges the Mid-Range Market Gap
AMD has strategically introduced the Ryzen 7 8700F and Ryzen 5 8400F to address a specific gap in their processor lineup. These chips are designed for users who require strong CPU performance but prefer to avoid the extra cost and power consumption that come with integrated graphics.
AMD’s new Ryzen 8000 F-Series processors. Image used courtesy of @momomo_us on X
Ryzen 7 8700F and Ryzen 5 8400F: Detailed Specifications
The Ryzen 7 8700F comes equipped with eight cores and 16 threads, featuring a base clock speed of 4.1 GHz and a boost clock of up to 5 GHz. Fabricated using TSMC's 4-nm FinFET process, this processor includes a total of 8 MB of L2 cache and 16 MB of L3 cache. On the other hand, the Ryzen 5 8400F targets mid-range users with its six cores and 12 threads, offering a base clock of 4.2 GHz and a boost clock of up to 4.7 GHz. Also built on TSMC's 4-nm FinFET process, it boasts 6 MB of L2 cache and 16 MB of L3 cache. Both processors leverage AMD's advanced Zen 4 architecture.
Thermal Design Power and Cooling Solutions
A critical consideration for any new processor is its thermal design power (TDP) and heat dissipation efficiency. Both the Ryzen 7 8700F and Ryzen 5 8400F have a default TDP rating of 65 W, making them compatible with a variety of cooling options, from standard air coolers to advanced liquid cooling systems. AMD recommends pairing these new processors with AMD Wraith Stealth coolers, which are designed to efficiently dissipate heat while operating quietly, suitable even for compact system builds.
Benefits of Omitting Integrated Graphics
AMD's decision to exclude integrated graphics from these new processors is a strategic move aimed at users who prioritize CPU performance over graphical capabilities. This design choice enhances processing power and efficiency, making these CPUs ideal for computationally intensive tasks.
Integrated graphics typically increase a CPU's thermal and power demands. By eliminating this component, AMD can offer a more thermally efficient chip that consumes less power. This is particularly advantageous for users in thermally constrained environments or those aiming to build compact systems requiring less robust cooling solutions.
Dedicated versus integrated GPUs. Image (cropped) used courtesy of CGDirector
Targeting Discrete GPU Users
By omitting integrated graphics, AMD effectively caters to users who depend on discrete GPUs for their graphic-intensive tasks. This includes gamers, content creators, and professionals who require high-performance graphics solutions separate from their CPUs. For these users, the integrated graphics found in other CPUs are often redundant, adding unnecessary cost and complexity to the chip design.
Cost-Effective Manufacturing
Excluding integrated graphics also leads to lower manufacturing costs. The silicon area that would have been allocated to graphics can instead be used to enhance other elements of the CPU or omitted entirely, reducing overall production expenses. This cost-saving enables AMD to price these processors more competitively, appealing to budget-conscious consumers and system builders who emphasize performance per dollar.
Competing with Intel's Core i5 and i7
The Ryzen 7 8700F and Ryzen 5 8400F are positioned to compete directly with Intel's Core i5 and i7 series, which have long dominated the mid-range market segment. With AMD's competitive pricing strategy and the advanced features of the Zen 4 architecture, these processors are poised to attract consumers seeking high performance without the premium price tag of higher-end models. AMD's strategy with these processors may also set a precedent, influencing how other manufacturers balance performance, cost, and energy efficiency.
