AMD Radeon RX Vega 11 Mobile

AMD Radeon RX Vega 11 Mobile: Compact Graphics for Basic Tasks and Casual Gaming
April 2025
Introduction
In an era where even budget laptops strive to deliver decent performance, the integrated AMD Radeon RX Vega 11 Mobile graphics remains a relevant solution for those seeking a balance between price and capabilities. Despite the emergence of newer APU (Accelerated Processing Unit) series from AMD, such as the Ryzen 8000 series, Vega 11 continues to be utilized in affordable ultrabooks and compact devices. In this article, we will explore who might benefit from this graphics card in 2025 and what tasks it is capable of handling.
Architecture and Key Features
Vega Architecture: A Legacy of the Past
The RX Vega 11 Mobile is built on the Vega architecture, which debuted in 2017. By 2025, it is manufactured using an improved 7nm process node (originally 14nm), which has allowed for reduced power consumption and improved thermal output. The graphics are integrated into Ryzen 5 processors of the 3000 to 5000 series, which are still found in budget laptops priced from $500.
Key Features:
- Radeon FidelityFX — a set of tools for image enhancement (contrast sharpening, upscaling).
- FreeSync — support for adaptive synchronization for smooth gaming experiences.
- Lack of Hardware Ray Tracing — ray tracing is possible only through software APIs (DirectX 12 Ultimate), but with low performance.
Memory: Dependency on System RAM
Type and Amount:
Vega 11 does not have dedicated video memory—it uses the laptop's RAM (up to 2GB of dynamically allocated VRAM). A configuration with dual-channel DDR4-3200 MHz or LPDDR5-5500 MHz is recommended to increase bandwidth.
Bandwidth:
- With DDR4-3200: up to 51.2 GB/s (in dual-channel mode).
- With LPDDR5-5500: up to 88 GB/s.
The faster the RAM, the higher the FPS in games. For example, switching from single-channel DDR4-2400 to dual-channel DDR4-3200 can yield up to a 30% increase in performance in projects like Fortnite.
Gaming Performance: Modest Capabilities
Vega 11 Mobile is suitable for less demanding games and older titles. Here are FPS metrics at 1080p (settings—low/medium):
- CS:GO — 90–110 FPS.
- Valorant — 70–90 FPS.
- GTA V — 45–55 FPS.
- Cyberpunk 2077 — 20–25 FPS (with FSR 2.0 in "Performance" mode).
Supported Resolutions:
- 1080p — optimal for most games.
- 1440p and 4K — only suitable for less demanding strategies or indie projects (e.g. Stardew Valley).
Ray Tracing:
There is no hardware ray tracing available. Software implementation (through DirectX 12) reduces FPS by 2-3 times, making it impractical.
Professional Tasks: Basic Level
Vega 11 can handle light workloads:
- Video Editing: Editing videos in 1080p using DaVinci Resolve or Premiere Pro (with hardware acceleration enabled). Rendering complex projects will take a long time.
- 3D Modeling: Work in Blender is possible, but for complex scenes, a discrete GPU is preferred.
- Scientific Calculations: Support for OpenCL allows the graphics to be used in machine learning or physics simulations, but performance is limited.
Tip: For professional tasks, choose laptops with discrete GPUs (e.g., NVIDIA RTX 3050 Mobile).
Power Consumption and Thermal Output
- TDP of the processor with Vega 11: 15–25 W (depending on the CPU model).
- Thermal Output: Moderate. Laptops with passive cooling may overheat under prolonged loads.
Recommendations:
- Choose devices with at least one fan and copper heat pipes.
- Avoid ultra-thin cases less than 15mm thick for gaming as they do not provide sufficient cooling.
Comparison with Competitors
1. Intel Iris Xe (in Core i5-1235U):
- Better optimized for creative tasks.
- Comparable in gaming but requires DDR5.
- Laptop prices: starting from $600.
2. NVIDIA GeForce MX550:
- 15–20% faster in games.
- Supports DLSS, but is pricier (laptops from $700).
3. AMD Radeon 780M (in Ryzen 7 8840U):
- Newer, 50% more performance.
- Laptops from $800.
Conclusion: Vega 11 lags behind modern alternatives but excels in affordability.
Practical Tips
1. RAM: Minimum of 16 GB DDR4-3200 in dual-channel.
2. Drivers: Update through AMD Adrenalin—optimizations for new games are still being released.
3. Game Settings: Use FSR 2.0/3.0 to increase FPS.
4. Power Supply: A standard 65W adapter is sufficient.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Low laptop prices (from $500).
- Energy efficiency.
- Support for modern APIs (DirectX 12, Vulkan).
Cons:
- Weak performance in AAA games.
- Dependency on RAM speed.
- No hardware ray tracing.
Final Conclusion: Who is Vega 11 Mobile For?
This graphics solution is suitable for those who:
- Seek an affordable laptop for study, office work, and light gaming.
- Don't want to pay a premium for discrete GPUs.
- Value battery life—systems with Vega 11 often run 6–8 hours on battery.
If your tasks are limited to web surfing, document work, and occasional gaming sessions in CS:GO or Minecraft, then Vega 11 Mobile will be a reliable companion. However, for serious gaming or professional work, consider devices with GPUs like the RTX 4050 or Radeon 780M.
Prices are current as of April 2025. The stated cost refers to new devices.