AMD is developing its own hybrid BIG.little project, which will be released as the Phoenix 2 APU lineup for low-power platforms. One such configuration appears to exist in the MilkyWay@Home database. @InstLatX64 discovered the most recent SKU in the MilkyWay@Home database.
Although no name or SKU branding is mentioned for the APU, it is stated that the CPUID “A70F80” belongs to a range of upcoming APUs that will be part of the Phoenix 2 family. The SKU in question has 12 threads, and InstLatX64 describes it as a hybrid configuration with 2+4 cores. The CPU has 1 MB of cache and was tested with 16 GB of memory.
Concerning AMD’s Phoenix 2 project, the upcoming hybrid design is said to include two standard Zen 4 cores as well as at least four clock/power-optimized Zen 4 cores.
Although the Zen 4 cores have the same architecture, the way power is managed across them is very different. It is not like Intel’s hybrid approach, in which the P-Core and E-Core architectures are vastly different.
However, because the Phoenix 2 APUs are aimed at low-power and entry-level platforms, they are said to have reduced GPU compute units. So, while standard Phoenix chips have an 8-12 CU configuration, the Phoenix 2 APUs may only have 4-8 Compute Units. It may appear to be a step down from the Van Gogh SOC, but keep in mind that these are 4nm CUs that use the RDNA 3 graphics architecture and run at higher frequencies.
The next Valve Steam Deck, which would use AMD’s Phoenix 2 APUs among other handheld and portable devices, is a prime candidate. It will be fascinating to see the efficiency numbers produced by the Phoenix 2 APUs. The first AMD Phoenix APUs will be available on laptops in March 2023, so we can expect an update on the Phoenix 2 parts later that year.
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