AMD's Ryzen Strix Halo surpasses Nvidia's RTX 4070 laptop GPU in multiple benchmark tests, raising questions about the potential resurgence of integrated graphics units.
In a surprising turn of events, AMD's Ryzen Strix Halo integrated graphics processor (iGPU) has outperformed Nvidia's RTX 4070 mobile GPU in several gaming tests, including Cyberpunk 2077. This flagship integrated graphics solution, found in the AI Max+ 395 APU, boasts 40 RDNA 3.5 Compute Units (CUs) and an associated Radeon RX 8060S GPU, making it significantly more powerful than typical integrated GPUs.
The Strix Halo iGPU competes closely with mid-range discrete mobile GPUs like the Nvidia RTX 4060 Laptop GPU and, in some cases, can approach the performance of the higher-tier RTX 4070 mobile GPUs. This is noteworthy because integrated GPUs usually lag far behind even entry-level discrete GPUs. However, the high CU count and RDNA 3.5 architecture of the Strix Halo have elevated its gaming capabilities closer to these dedicated mobile GPUs.
The 120W power envelope of the Strix Halo is much higher than typical handheld or low-power environments, allowing it to maintain performance levels that are closer to discrete GPUs. However, this also increases power consumption and heat output. Compared to AMD’s lower-tier iGPUs like the Strix Point series, Strix Halo delivers roughly 2.5 times the GPU core count and thus significantly better gaming performance.
While the Strix Halo can compete with Nvidia’s mid-range discrete GPUs in some gaming scenarios, it generally does not surpass the high-end discrete mobile GPUs, which still hold advantages in raw power and specialized features.
The Ryzen Strix Halo APU has been powering quality handheld gaming PCs like Valve's Steam Deck and the Asus ROG Ally X, indicating a bright future for integrated graphics. The performance and lower power draw of the Ryzen AI MAX+ 395 suggest that integrated GPUs could go some way to eliminating the stigma surrounding these options in laptops.
The revival of iGPUs is evident, with AMD and Intel showcasing impressive gaming performances. Intel's Arc 140T iGPUs found in its Arrow Lake chips also impressed during Elden Ring gaming tests. As Intel plans a big push into handheld gaming PCs to take on AMD, the competition in this sector is expected to intensify.
The Ryzen Strix Halo's performance has been confirmed by several benchmarks shared by Hardware Canucks, and it even won the best-in-show award at CES 2025. If you're looking for an RTX 50-series GPU, your best bet is a gaming laptop, but for those seeking strong gaming capabilities without a discrete GPU, the Ryzen Strix Halo APU is a compelling choice in compact or integrated systems.
- The AMD Ryzen Strix Halo integrated graphics processor (iGPU) has shown surprising performance in gaming, outracing Nvidia's RTX 4070 mobile GPU in several tests.
- With 40 RDNA 3.5 Compute Units (CUs) and an associated Radeon RX 8060S GPU, the Strix Halo iGPU competes closely with mid-range discrete mobile GPUs like the Nvidia RTX 4060.
- Despite consuming more power and heat than typical iGPUs, the Strix Halo has elevated its gaming capabilities, getting closer to dedicated mobile GPUs.
- While the Strix Halo can challenge Nvidia’s mid-range discrete GPUs in some gaming scenarios, it usually doesn't surpass high-end discrete mobile GPUs.
- The Ryzen Strix Halo APU has been powering quality handheld gaming PCs like Valve's Steam Deck and the Asus ROG Ally X, and it could potentially eliminate the stigma surrounding integrated GPUs in laptops.
- AMD and Intel's impressive gaming performances with iGPUs suggest a revival in this technology, with Intel's Arc 140T iGPUs impressing in Elden Ring gaming tests.
- The Ryzen Strix Halo's performance has been confirmed by several benchmarks, winning the best-in-show award at CES 2025, making it a compelling choice for those seeking strong gaming capabilities without a discrete GPU.
- For those looking for RTX 50-series GPU performance, a gaming laptop would be the best option, but for those prioritizing compact or integrated systems, the Ryzen Strix Halo APU is a worthwhile alternative.
- The advancements in technology, artificial intelligence, and gadgets continue to emphasize the importance of powerful computer hardware, and the performance of iGPUs like the Strix Halo is a testament to these developments.
