The tech world is buzzing after the first hands-on tests of AMD’s upcoming Strix Halo mini PC, featuring the highly anticipated Radeon 8060S integrated graphics. Early benchmarks and gameplay demonstrations suggest that AMD’s new iGPU could redefine expectations for compact gaming systems, delivering performance that rivals entry-level discrete GPUs.
A Leap Forward for Integrated Graphics
The Strix Halo mini PC, built around AMD’s next-generation Ryzen AI processors, pairs Zen 5 CPU cores with the Radeon 8060S iGPU. This marks a significant upgrade from previous integrated solutions, thanks to its RDNA 3 architecture and 16 compute units (CUs). Early tests show the 8060S hitting frame rates that challenge NVIDIA’s GTX 1650 and even approach the RTX 3050 in select titles—a remarkable feat for an integrated solution.
In a recent gameplay demonstration, the Strix Halo smoothly ran Elden Ring at 1080p medium settings, averaging 50-60 FPS, while Cyberpunk 2077 managed 45-55 FPS on medium with AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) enabled. For those unfamiliar, FSR is AMD’s upscaling technology that boosts performance without sacrificing visual clarity. You can dive deeper into how FSR works in this comprehensive guide by Tom’s Hardware.
What Makes the Radeon 8060S Special?
The Radeon 8060S isn’t just another iGPU. AMD has packed it with 16 RDNA 3 CUs, 12GB of shared LPDDR5X memory, and support for advanced features like ray tracing and AV1 encoding. While ray tracing performance remains modest compared to high-end discrete GPUs, it’s a notable inclusion for an integrated solution. Testers also praised the system’s thermal design, with the mini PC maintaining stable clock speeds even during extended gaming sessions.
The Mini PC Advantage
Compact PCs have historically struggled with gaming due to thermal and power limitations, but the Strix Halo’s efficient 35W TDP and advanced cooling solution appear to buck the trend. This makes it an appealing option for gamers seeking a portable, living-room-friendly rig or a space-saving desktop.
Availability and Pricing
While AMD hasn’t announced official pricing, industry insiders speculate the Strix Halo mini PC could land in the 600–600–800 range. For context, that’s significantly cheaper than building a comparable system with a discrete GPU like the RX 6600 or RTX 3050. Interested buyers can pre-order the Strix Halo via Amazon, though stock is expected to be limited at launch.
The Bottom Line
AMD’s Strix Halo and its Radeon 8060S iGPU could be a game-changer for budget-conscious gamers and mini PC enthusiasts. While it won’t replace high-end rigs, its ability to handle modern titles at 1080p with respectable settings—and support for FSR—positions it as a compelling alternative to entry-level GPUs. As the line between integrated and discrete graphics continues to blur, AMD is leading the charge in proving that small form factors don’t have to mean big compromises.
Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the Strix Halo’s official launch later this year.