Looks like the new APU series will be better for mini PCs, as the number of PCIe lanes has been noticeably reduced.
Ryzen AI 400 Desktop CPUs Only Bring 10 or 12 PCIe 4.0 Lanes, Limiting Lane Width for GPUs/NVMe SSDs
Two days ago, AMD finally debuted its first Zen 5-based desktop APU series for the AM5 platform, giving users the flexibility to build APU-based gaming builds. AMD hasn't been so aggressive in the desktop segment when it comes to delivering peak graphical performance through integrated graphics. Still, the debut of Ryzen AI 400 and Ryzen AI Pro 400 series is a good move that will allow users to build entry-level gaming PCs without a dedicated GPU.
However, as we analyze the specifications for these SKUs on the official AMD website, we notice something odd. Unlike the previous Zen 4-based Ryzen 8000G series, the Ryzen AI 400 series isn't on par when it comes to component support. Even though the architecture has been improved and we now have the latest RDNA 3.5-based integrated graphics with up to Radeon 860M graphics, AMD has reduced the number of PCIe lanes available directly from the chip.
The fastest Ryzen AI 400 CPU at the moment, i.e., the Ryzen AI 7 450G, offers 16 PCIe 4.0 lanes, but only 12 are usable. Now compare this to the Zen 4-based Ryzen 7 8700G that debuted two years ago; the newer chip is bringing four fewer PCIe lanes. This will directly impact the ability to upgrade, as now the system will only support discrete GPUs at x8 mode. The remaining four lanes can be used for adding a primary NVMe SSD. At PCIe 4.0 x8 mode, modern GPUs can result in performance throttle as we have seen in various modern titles, where lower VRAM GPUs such as RX 9060 XT 8 GB and RTX 5060 Ti 8 GB can suffer greatly.
For example, the RTX 5060 Ti 16 GB at PCIe 3.0 x16 (equivalent to PCIe 4.0 x8) can deliver almost 7 times more FPS than RTX 5060 Ti 8 GB running at the same mode. This PCIe 4.0 x8 configuration brings choppiness, huge frame drops, and stuttery gameplay for GPUs with less VRAM. What's worse is that if you use the lower-end Ryzen AI 400 desktop chips, such as the Ryzen AI 5 435G, you will have only 10 PCIe usable lanes. This means you can no longer have the freedom to let your SSD run at x4 simultaneously when your GPU is running at x8.
Overall, it appears that the Ryzen AI 400 desktop series is better for mini PC systems, and if users want better upgradeability, the Ryzen 9000 series will be far better, and Ryzen 8000G will also make more sense.
News Source: Via Videocardz
About the author: Sarfraz Khan is a hardware reporter with a focus on PC components and the builder community. With years of experience writing about PC hardware and laptops, his work has been featured on several reputable technology publications. Sarfraz's hands-on experience is demonstrated through his first-person accounts of using and comparing different hardware configurations, providing practical and relatable insights for everyday users. His technical analysis is respected by peers in the enthusiast community and has been cited by specialized hardware sites such as Germany's Igor's Lab.
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