AMD to Showcase In-Depth Specifications for Zen4c CPUs
Upcoming AMD Update Promises Comprehensive Specs for Zen4c Processors
AMD’s latest Zen4c microarchitecture, tailored for entry-level Ryzen mobile series, was recently introduced. This design is noted for having traits akin to the Zen4 architecture, especially in IPC performance, though it operates at potentially lower clock speeds due to its smaller cache.
Originating with the EPYC Bergamo processor, the Zen4c’s leaner core design is 35% smaller than Zen4, primarily from cache reductions. Despite a shared architectural foundation, Zen4c’s performance will diverge from Zen4, a vital detail for consumers.
Take the Ryzen Z1’s specifications, which list its architecture as a combination of “2x Zen4, 4x Zen4c” but don’t detail the clock speeds for each core or their boosting capabilities. In contrast, Intel discloses clock speeds for all core types and their boosting potential, depending on the product SKU. It’s noteworthy that Intel’s hybrid approach differs from AMD’s, employing distinct core types for efficiency. Yet, the absence of exhaustive specifications on AMD’s website raises questions about the usefulness of such limited information.
You can find AMD’s Zen4c cores in several processors, including:
- Ryzen 5 7545U
- Ryzen 3 7440U
- Ryzen Z1
- Ryzen 5 8540U
- Ryzen 3 8440U
In response to inquiries from Tom’s Hardware about more specific information, AMD has expressed a commitment to begin sharing more comprehensive details about the clock rates of Zen4c cores, along with their architectural configurations. This development is welcomed, although the full disclosure is expected to be a gradual process taking a few weeks.
An AMD spokesperson communicated to Tom’s Hardware, “Our goal isn’t to set a new precedent, but to evaluate our disclosure policies and incorporate feedback as we proceed. It’s about competitive positioning and how we choose to present our products. It’s crucial to recognize that our dense Zen4c architecture and the e-core are fundamentally different in their performance capabilities, so comparisons should be made with this context in mind.
Consumers are on the verge of obtaining a more transparent insight into the processors they acquire. The absence of clear visual markers to differentiate between the standard Zen4 and the Zen4/Zen4c hybrid processors has been a point of confusion. AMD is integrating this architecture across its Ryzen 7000 and 8000 series, and it’s anticipated that even smaller Phoenix/Hawk Point silicon could feature Zen4c cores in desktop models by the following year.
Source: Tom’s Hardware