After several years during which almost all AMD desktop Ryzen processors came with basic integrated graphics, a new rumor suggests that the company may take an unexpected turn with the upcoming Zen 6 generation.
AMD is reportedly considering removing integrated graphics from its upcoming Zen 6 desktop processors, codenamed Olympic Ridge, according to information that has surfaced among hardware insiders. Instead of the small RDNA graphics core that exists today in the Ryzen 7000 and Ryzen 9000 series, the space on the chip could be occupied by a dedicated NPU (Neural Processing Unit) for local execution of AI tasks.
If the rumor turns out to be true, it would be a significant change in strategy for AMD.
Since launch Ryzen 7000 series In 2022, AMD added basic integrated graphics to all mainstream desktop processors. Although this graphics card was not intended for demanding games, it proved useful for system diagnostics, office use and as a backup solution in case of problems with the discrete graphics card.
However, the market has changed in the meantime.
With the arrival of Copilot+ computers, local AI models and an increasing focus on artificial intelligence, chipmakers are under pressure to increase the AI performance of their processors. NPU units, which until now were mostly reserved for laptop processors and APU models, are becoming an important part of the strategy of almost all major hardware manufacturers.
This is precisely why some analysts believe that AMD is trying to optimize the available space on the chip.
For most enthusiasts buying Ryzen 7 or Ryzen 9 processors, integrated graphics are rarely the deciding factor, as such systems are almost always used with a separate graphics card. On the other hand, the increasing number of AI functions in Windows and professional applications could justify the presence of a more powerful NPU.
The rumor comes at a time when Zen 6 is expected to bring other big changes.
AMDPrevious leaks indicate that AMD could for the first time increase the number of cores per CCD module from eight to even twelve. This would enable desktop processors with up to 24 cores on the AM5 platform, which is a significant jump from today’s maximum of 16 cores in standard Ryzen models.
In addition, some rumors talk about operating frequencies that could exceed 6.5 GHz, as well as improvements in IPC performance and larger amounts of cache memory. Of course, none of that information has been officially confirmed by AMD yet.
It is important to emphasize that this is currently only unofficial information.
AMD did not comment on the allegations about the removal of integrated graphics, and the final specifications of the Zen 6 processor will probably not be known until the official presentation. The company previously confirmed that Zen 6 will arrive during 2026 and will retain compatibility with the AM5 platform, meaning existing owners of AM5 motherboards should be able to upgrade to the new generation without replacing the entire platform.
It is interesting that such a move would also represent a kind of return of AMD to its roots. During most of the Ryzen era, desktop processors did not have integrated graphics, while APU models were reserved for users who needed it. Only with the Ryzen 7000 generation did AMD decide that each processor would receive a basic graphics subsystem.
If AMD does decide to sacrifice integrated graphics for a more powerful NPU, it could be one of the clearest indicators that the industry is entering a new phase of PC development, where artificial intelligence becomes as important as CPU and GPU performance. according to TechSpot.