AMD Radeon R6 Mobile Graphics

The AMD Radeon R6 Mobile Graphics is an integrated GPU (IGP) designed for Kaveri‑generation mobile APUs, built on the GCN 2.0 architecture and fabricated on a 28 nm process at GlobalFoundries. It carries a 2,410 million transistor count on a 245 mm² die, with a transistor density of 9.8M per square millimeter. This part is now end‑of‑life, having been released on September 16, 2014, and it sits between the TeraScale 3 IGP (predecessor) and the GCN 3.0 IGP (successor) in AMD’s product lineup. As an IGP, it has no discrete memory, no dedicated power connectors, and no standalone cooler; its performance is inherently tied to the host system’s memory and cooling solution.

Benchmark Performance

The available performance data for this GPU is limited to theoretical fill rates and compute throughput, as no benchmark scores or average results are recorded in the database. The peak FP32 performance is 409.3 GFLOPS, a figure that reflects the combined output of its 384 shading units operating at the given clock (which is not specified). The pixel fill rate is 4.264 GPixel/s, and the texture fill rate is 12.79 GTexel/s, derived from the 8 ROPs and 24 TMUs respectively. These numbers are modest by any measure, but they are the only concrete performance indicators we have.

The database places this GPU at the 50th percentile among all GPUs tracked. That means it outperforms exactly half of the entries and underperforms the other half. This median position suggests it is a typical, unremarkable performer for its era, but without specific benchmark scores or rival comparisons, we cannot quantify how it stacks up against other integrated or discrete solutions. The lack of a nonzero average benchmark score further reinforces that no direct testing data has been captured for this part.

In practice, the theoretical rates imply that the R6 Mobile can handle basic 2D rendering, video playback, and very light 3D workloads, but it will struggle with anything beyond low‑detail, low‑resolution gaming. The FP32 throughput of 409.3 GFLOPS is roughly what one would expect from a low‑end integrated GPU of the 2014 timeframe, and the pixel and texture rates are similarly constrained. For a builder or buyer considering this part, the numbers suggest a device intended for everyday productivity rather than gaming.

Memory Subsystem

The Radeon R6 Mobile Graphics uses system‑shared memory for all graphics operations. There is no dedicated VRAM; the GPU accesses the same system RAM as the CPU, with the size, type, and bus width all marked as “System Shared.” The memory bandwidth is explicitly “System Dependent,” meaning it varies with the host laptop’s memory configuration—dual‑channel versus single‑channel, DDR3 speed, and bus width all play a role.

This shared‑memory design has direct implications for high‑resolution operation. At 1080p or above, the GPU must compete with the CPU for memory bandwidth, and the available bandwidth is often a fraction of what a discrete GPU would have. Even with fast system memory, the lack of dedicated VRAM means textures and frame buffers are stored in the same pool used by the operating system and applications. Consequently, high‑resolution gaming is not feasible; the GPU will likely become bandwidth‑limited well before its shader cores are fully utilized. For 720p or lower resolutions, the impact is less severe, but performance still depends heavily on the system’s memory configuration. The “System Shared” memory type also means there is no fixed bus width—the GPU uses whatever the CPU’s memory controller provides.

Power and Cooling

The Radeon R6 Mobile Graphics has a TDP of 17 W. This is a low power envelope, typical for an integrated GPU that shares a die with the CPU in a Kaveri APU. Because it is an IGP, there are no power connectors, no suggested PSU, and no separate slot width—the GPU is soldered onto the motherboard. The bus interface is also listed as “IGP,” confirming that it is not a discrete card.

Cooling is handled entirely by the host device’s thermal solution. Since the TDP is only 17 W, the GPU does not require a dedicated heatsink or fan; it relies on the laptop’s existing cooling system, which must also dissipate heat from the CPU. This low power draw makes the R6 suitable for thin and light portable devices, where space and battery life are at a premium. However, sustained loads—even at low settings—may cause the shared thermal solution to throttle if the system is not well designed. The display outputs are “Portable Device Dependent,” meaning the physical connectors are determined by the laptop manufacturer, not by the GPU itself.

How It Compares

The database lists no nearest rivals for this GPU, so a direct performance comparison is not possible. Instead, we can position it within its own product lineage. It follows the TeraScale 3 IGP, which was the previous generation integrated graphics solution, and it precedes the GCN 3.0 IGP, which was used in later Kaveri and Carrizo APUs. The R6 represents the middle step in this architectural progression, moving from TeraScale 3 to GCN 2.0, and then later to GCN 3.0.

Its 50th percentile rank among all GPUs is the only comparative metric available. This rank is a global measure, not a comparison to any specific rival. It indicates that, across the entire database of GPUs—which includes both integrated and discrete parts—the R6 sits at the median. That is a neutral position: it is neither a high‑performer nor a bottom‑feeder. For a mobile integrated GPU from 2014, this is expected; it was never intended to compete with discrete graphics cards, and its performance is in line with other IGPs of its era.

Because the product is end‑of‑life, any comparison is academic. Modern integrated GPUs, even those in low‑power CPUs, have far higher throughput and memory bandwidth. But within the context of its own time, the R6 was a competent entry‑level solution, and its 50th percentile ranking reflects that.

Ray Tracing and Feature Set

The Radeon R6 Mobile Graphics does not include any ray tracing cores or tensor cores; both fields are null in the specification. This means it has no hardware acceleration for ray‑traced lighting or AI‑based features like DLSS. All rendering is done through the traditional rasterization pipeline of the GCN 2.0 architecture.

On the API front, the GPU supports DirectX 12 (feature level 12_0), OpenGL 4.6, and Vulkan 1.2.170. These are relatively modern API versions, which means the hardware can run contemporary games and applications that require these interfaces—provided the GPU’s raw performance is sufficient. DirectX 12 support is particularly noteworthy for a 2014 part, as it allows access to low‑level optimizations and better multi‑threading in games that support it. Vulkan 1.2.170 also provides similar benefits. OpenGL 4.6 is fully supported, which covers a wide range of professional and creative applications.

The absence of ray tracing and tensor cores means the R6 cannot leverage hardware‑accelerated ray tracing or machine learning super‑resolution. Any such workloads would have to be handled by the shader cores, which would be extremely slow. For gaming, this limits the GPU to traditional rasterized graphics; it can run DirectX 12 titles, but only at low settings and resolutions. The feature set is otherwise complete for its generation, with support for the major graphics APIs of the mid‑2010s.

Who Should Consider It

The AMD Radeon R6 Mobile Graphics is a legacy integrated GPU, end‑of‑life since its release in 2014. Its 17 W TDP and system‑shared memory design make it suitable only for basic computing tasks—web browsing, office work, video playback, and light productivity. The 409.3 GFLOPS FP32 throughput and 4.264 GPixel/s pixel rate are sufficient for 2D interfaces and casual 3D applications, but they are not enough for modern gaming at any but the lowest settings and resolutions.

For anyone building or repairing a portable device from the Kaveri era, this GPU is what you get; it is not a choice but a component of the APU. Its 50th percentile ranking among all GPUs suggests it is an average performer, but that average is heavily skewed by the presence of many low‑end integrated parts and older discrete GPUs. In practice, the R6 will handle 720p gaming on titles from its release era, but it will struggle with anything newer or more demanding.

The lack of dedicated VRAM and system‑dependent bandwidth means that high‑resolution displays (1080p and above) are not recommended for 3D workloads. The GPU is best used with a 1366×768 or 1280×720 panel, and even then, only with reduced graphical details. For users who need a GPU for modern games or creative work, this part is not a viable option. Its sole advantage is its low power draw, which enables fanless or quiet operation in thin laptops. If you have a system that already contains this GPU, it is adequate for everyday tasks, but it is not worth seeking out for any serious performance needs.