AMD reportedly intends to continue leveraging its RDNA 3.5 graphics architecture in its integrated processors through at least 2029, according to newly leaked roadmap data. The strategy, detailed in reports originating on Weibo, suggests a focus on optimizing the existing architecture rather than rapidly adopting newer generations for all product tiers. While AMD will reserve its next-generation RDNA 5 architecture for premium models, this approach has implications for the competitive landscape as Intel continues to make gains in integrated graphics performance.
AMD is reportedly planning to continue utilizing its current RDNA 3.5 graphics architecture for integrated processors for several years. According to multiple leaks, RDNA 3.5 is expected to remain in use across various performance tiers – including mainstream laptop processors – through at least 2029.
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The information stems from a roadmap created by “金猪升级包” and shared on Weibo. This source has a track record of accurately reporting unreleased information. The accounts “@9550pro” and “@Kepler_L2,” which also frequently provide accurate leaks, corroborate the findings.
AMD intends to reserve the RDNA 5 architecture for its premium models. The older RDNA 3.5 architecture could also persist for several more years in Ryzen processors designed for gaming laptops, as manufacturers often pair these CPUs with faster, discrete graphics chips. Models featuring newer graphics architectures aren’t expected to arrive until 2029.
An unofficial roadmap outlining planned GPU architectures in processors. The graphic was AI-generated but appears to be based on credible information.
(Image: 金猪升级包)
Already Outdated
AMD first introduced the initial RDNA 3 version with the Ryzen 7000 series in 2023. Subsequent updates arrived with the Ryzen 8000 and Ryzen 200 series. The first significant iteration, Ryzen AI 300, featuring RDNA 3.5, debuted in 2024. This architectural update primarily focused on efficiency improvements for laptops, reportedly developed in collaboration with Samsung.
Samsung utilizes RDNA architectures in its Exynos smartphone processors, where efficiency is a key metric. This extended use of RDNA 3.5 suggests AMD is prioritizing optimization within the existing architecture before committing to a full transition.
AMD’s 2026 plans currently include only a processor refresh, the Ryzen AI 400 (Gorgon Point). The next generation, Ryzen AI 500 (Medusa Point), is slated for 2027, and is also expected to utilize the RDNA 3.5 architecture. There’s currently no indication of a jump to RDNA 4 or 5 for this processor.
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AMD may also be prolonging the use of RDNA 3.5 due to considerations around die size and optimization. The company previously relied on the Vega GPU architecture for several years, from Ryzen 2000 through Ryzen 5000 and subsequent revisions.
Most laptops, based on current information, will likely continue to forgo AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution 4 (FSR 4) upscaling technology for the time being. The company has limited FSR 4 to the Radeon RX 9000 series of desktop graphics cards, citing product strategy. A technology like FSR 4 would be particularly valuable for laptops lacking a powerful dedicated graphics chip.
Intel Gains Ground
Meanwhile, Intel is making significant strides in graphics – an area that has historically been a weakness for the company. The new Core Ultra 300 (Panther Lake) processors boast the most powerful integrated GPU of any mobile processor, excluding AMD’s specialized Ryzen AI Max 300 (Strix Halo) and Apple’s top-tier processors.
Looking ahead, Intel plans to release its first processors with GeForce RTX GPUs in 2028. According to an unofficial roadmap, Intel will divide its portfolio into models featuring Xe GPUs and Nvidia technology. Specific details regarding implementation remain unknown.
(mma)
