AMD unveils stunning Phoenix2 CPU die shot showcasing Zen4/Zen4c architectures

AMD's Phoenix2 chip offers a unique hybrid design combining Zen4 and Zen4c architectures in a compact package.
The Phoenix2 chip supports hyperthreading (SMT) and offers up to 4 RDNA3 Compute Units.
The Phoenix2 chip could be used for the yet-to-be-released Ryzen Z1 APU.

AMD has been relatively quiet about their smaller Phoenix2 chip, leaving many to wonder if it even exists. However, a recent die shot of the processor has surfaced on a Chinese website, confirming its existence and shedding some light on its architecture.

The Phoenix2 chip is an intriguing blend of Zen4 and Zen4c architectures, which could mark AMD’s first foray into a hybrid design for consumers. It is being launched alongside its larger counterpart, the Phoenix1 CPU, which features eight Zen4 cores. The Phoenix2 chip, on the other hand, offers a more compact design that has found its way into various devices such as Laptops, handheld gaming devices, and Mini-PCs.

The die shot reveals that the Phoenix CPU consists of 2 Zen4 cores and 4 Zen4c cores, resulting in a 6-core, 12-thread configuration. Unlike Intel’s hybrid designs, AMD’s ZenC architecture still supports hyperthreading (SMT). There are some differences in cache sizes between the Zen4 and Zen4c cores, with Zen4 having 4MB L3 cache and Zen4c having 2MB. Additionally, the GPU configuration is different, with the monolithic design offering up to 4 RDNA3 Compute Units compared to the full Phoenix chip’s 12 cores.

Interestingly, this configuration closely resembles the yet-to-be-released Ryzen Z1 APU, which is designed for more affordable handheld consoles. It remains to be seen if the Ryzen Z1 will utilize the Phoenix2 chip for its customizations.

Overall, AMD’s Phoenix2 chip brings a unique hybrid design to the table, combining Zen4 and Zen4c architectures in a compact package. It will be interesting to see how this chip performs in various devices and what it means for AMD’s future products.

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Background Information

About AMD: AMD, a large player in the semiconductor industry is known for its powerful processors and graphic solutions, AMD has consistently pushed the boundaries of performance, efficiency, and user experience. With a customer-centric approach, the company has cultivated a reputation for delivering high-performance solutions that cater to the needs of gamers, professionals, and general users. AMD's Ryzen series of processors have redefined the landscape of desktop and laptop computing, offering impressive multi-core performance and competitive pricing that has challenged the dominance of its competitors. Complementing its processor expertise, AMD's Radeon graphics cards have also earned accolades for their efficiency and exceptional graphical capabilities, making them a favored choice among gamers and content creators. The company's commitment to innovation and technology continues to shape the client computing landscape, providing users with powerful tools to fuel their digital endeavors.

About Intel: Intel Corporation, a global technology leader, is for its semiconductor innovations that power computing and communication devices worldwide. As a pioneer in microprocessor technology, Intel has left an indelible mark on the evolution of computing with its processors that drive everything from PCs to data centers and beyond. With a history of advancements, Intel's relentless pursuit of innovation continues to shape the digital landscape, offering solutions that empower businesses and individuals to achieve new levels of productivity and connectivity.

Technology Explained

APU: An APU, or Accelerated Processing Unit, is a type of processor that combines a CPU and a GPU on a single chip. This type of processor is becoming increasingly popular in the computer industry due to its ability to provide both computing and graphics processing power in a single package. APUs are used in a variety of applications, from gaming PCs to high-end workstations. They are also used in embedded systems, such as those found in smartphones and tablets. The combination of CPU and GPU on a single chip allows for more efficient power consumption and better performance than traditional CPUs. Additionally, APUs are often used in conjunction with other components, such as RAM and storage, to create powerful and efficient systems.

Compute Units: Compute Units (CUs) are a type of processor technology used in the computer industry. They are designed to provide high-performance computing capabilities for a variety of applications. CUs are typically used in graphics processing units (GPUs) and are responsible for the majority of the processing power in modern gaming systems. CUs are also used in other areas of the computer industry, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analysis. CUs are designed to be highly efficient and can provide significant performance gains over traditional CPUs. They are also capable of handling multiple tasks simultaneously, making them ideal for applications that require high levels of parallel processing.

CPU: The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the brain of a computer, responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations. It is the most important component of a computer system, as it is responsible for controlling all other components. CPUs are used in a wide range of applications, from desktop computers to mobile devices, gaming consoles, and even supercomputers. CPUs are used to process data, execute instructions, and control the flow of information within a computer system. They are also used to control the input and output of data, as well as to store and retrieve data from memory. CPUs are essential for the functioning of any computer system, and their applications in the computer industry are vast.

GPU: GPU stands for Graphics Processing Unit and is a specialized type of processor designed to handle graphics-intensive tasks. It is used in the computer industry to render images, videos, and 3D graphics. GPUs are used in gaming consoles, PCs, and mobile devices to provide a smooth and immersive gaming experience. They are also used in the medical field to create 3D models of organs and tissues, and in the automotive industry to create virtual prototypes of cars. GPUs are also used in the field of artificial intelligence to process large amounts of data and create complex models. GPUs are becoming increasingly important in the computer industry as they are able to process large amounts of data quickly and efficiently.