AMD's Fluid Motion Frames 2: A Leap Forward in Integrated Graphics Performance
AMD has made a noteworthy stride in enhancing gaming experiences on laptops equipped with integrated graphics. The company has introduced support for Fluid Motion Frames 2 (AFMF 2) for its Ryzen AI 300 mobile processors, a feature that promises to elevate frame rates significantly during gameplay. By leveraging a blend of manual adjustments and AI-driven optimizations, users can expect a remarkable boost in performance when utilizing integrated Radeon graphics chips.
The AFMF 2 feature is currently in a technical preview phase, readily accessible for download through the AMD Adrenalin Edition app at no cost. This update is compatible with integrated Radeon 700M/800M graphics as well as Radeon RX 6000/7000 desktop graphics cards, making it an attractive option for gamers seeking improved performance.
Traditionally, the notion of downloading enhanced frame rates for a laptop with integrated graphics seemed far-fetched, yet AMD has changed the narrative. The latest iteration of Fluid Motion Frames builds upon its predecessor by incorporating AI optimizations that target latency, quality, and overall performance. AMD claims that users can witness an astonishing “up to 78% higher FPS with AFMF 2 in Cyberpunk 2077,” particularly when using a Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPU paired with Radeon 890M integrated graphics. Such enhancements are sure to delight avid gamers who often find themselves limited by the absence of a discrete GPU.
In a recent review of the ASUS Zenbook S 16, which features the aforementioned CPU, the performance was commendable even without AFMF 2. The reviewer noted that the integrated GPU outperformed AMD’s previous-gen Radeon 780M and even surpassed the Z1 Extreme chip found in popular gaming handhelds. While Intel’s Arc integrated graphics still held the top position at that time, the introduction of AFMF 2 could shift the balance in AMD’s favor.
How AMD Fluid Motion Frames 2 Works with Variable Graphics Memory
AFMF 2 operates seamlessly with AMD’s Radeon Anti-Lag technology, which is automatically enabled when AFMF 2 is activated. However, the performance enhancements do not end there. AMD has also introduced Variable Graphics Memory (VGM), a feature that allows users to allocate up to 75% of the system’s onboard memory as VRAM to support the integrated GPU, which typically has access to just 512MB.
It is essential to note that users cannot allocate all system memory to the GPU; AMD recommends reserving at least 16GB for the CPU. This consideration may pose a challenge for laptops with only 16GB of RAM, limiting the potential benefits of VGM. For those with 32GB of system memory, such as the higher configuration of the Zenbook S 16, selecting the “Medium” VGM setting allows for an additional 8GB of VRAM, a significant upgrade from the default allocation.
As gaming titles increasingly demand higher VRAM, the importance of this feature is likely to grow. For instance, Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy requires VGM to run, and with both AFMF 2 and VGM enabled, the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 can achieve up to 90 FPS at 1080p. Similar performance gains are observed in titles like Far Cry 6 and F1 2023, where frame rates soar into the triple digits with the right settings.
For those interested in higher resolutions, the ASUS Zenbook S 16, featuring a 16-inch OLED display with a 2880×1800 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, showcases impressive results. With AFMF 2 and VGM enabled, games can transition from mid-50s FPS to around 80 FPS, demonstrating the capabilities of these new features.
How to Enable AFMF 2 and VGM on Your AMD PC
To take advantage of AFMF 2, users can download the technical preview via the AMD Adrenalin Edition app, which is expected to be officially released soon. This seamless integration ensures that gamers can easily enhance their experience without needing extensive technical know-how.