AMD introduces new desktop processors. These combine a desktop CPU with integrated graphics capabilities like we typically see in laptops.

AMD will unveil the AMD Ryzen 8000G processor series at CES 2024. These CPUs are intended for the desktop, but still have a graphics component on board. AMD considers them ideal for systems aimed at productivity, regardless of whether they are aimed at casual gamers who need FHD resolution for their games.

AMD is launching four chips, all with a TDP of 65 watts. It is immediately clear that the processors are not intended for laptops. The integrated graphics capacity eliminates the need for a separate GPU for many tasks.

Keep your expectations realistic. AMD itself compares the graphics capabilities of the Ryzen 8700G with those of an Nvidia GeForce 1650: an entry-level GPU that can be found in stores today for less than 170 euros. Figures from AMD show that the built-in GPU supports gaming at 1080p just as adequately. This APU can also be sufficient for professionals who need a little graphics power to handle their workloads.

Four chips

The line-up consists of four chips in total. Only the most powerful AMD Ryzen 8700G has an AMD Radeon 780M as a graphics component. The other chips have less powerful graphics capabilities on board, and AMD refrained from making a comparison with a discrete GPU in its announcement. Below you can see all the new chips in the series. We would like to point out that the AMD Ryzen 3 8300G will not be available separately.

As you can see, the final two chips in the lineup are a few outliers. AMD provides you with two different CPU cores: regular Zen 4 cores and Zen 4c cores. We first saw these Zen 4c cores in the data center and then appeared in the laptop. They’re less powerful than the regular Zen 4 cores because AMD optimized them for lighter work. Therefore, they handle such light workloads more efficiently. The chips therefore focus on balance and not horsepower. It is therefore somewhat surprising that the TDP remains at 65 watts despite the lighter graphics component and these “light” cores.

AI

Apparently no CPU announcement today is supposed to come with AI sauce, so AMD is also announcing that its chips will come with an NPU accelerator. At least that applies to the Ryzen 7 8700G and Ryzen 5 8600G. Such an accelerator can accelerate some niche tasks of mainly creative applications, but contrary to what AMD (and Intel) would like to tell you, it does not currently have widespread utility. On the other hand, including the NPU can’t hurt either.

We think the chips are interesting for all-in-one computers, which offer much more computing power compared to copies with laptop chips on board. However, the built-in graphics ensure that manufacturers don’t have to cram an additional GPU into such a device. The chips will be available from January 31st.

Older (new) chips

Finally, we note that AMD is also equipping the slightly older Ryzen 5000 series with new processors. These chips are based on the older Zen 3 architecture. The Ryzen 7 5700X3D is most notable as this chip supports its eight cores with 100MB of 3D V-Cache. AMD is also making a new regular Ryzen 7 5700 and two new Ryzen 5 chips available: the 5600GT and the 5500GT, which in turn have a graphics component on board.