AMD has added two new software IDs, GFX1171 and GFX1172, in a recent LLVM compiler merge request, expanding the set of GPU targets associated with its RDNA 4m graphics architecture. The company had previously designated GFX1170 for RDNA 4m, and the new additions suggest broader software enablement around the graphics design planned for Ryzen 500 “Medusa Point” APUs.
RDNA 4m is described as distinct from true RDNA 4 GPUs, which sit on a GFX12 branch. Instead, the new targets are presented as extensions of RDNA 3, reflecting an evolution of what had previously been viewed as RDNA 3.5. AMD’s approach appears aimed at adapting existing graphics intellectual property to fit INT8 data types and support FSR 4 technology. With RDNA 3.5 / RDNA 4m expected to be used by AMD until 2029, the rework points to a longer-lived integrated graphics strategy rather than a full architectural reset.
The instruction set details provide further clues about the design direction. Support for WMMA and SWMMAC instructions in the GFX1170 target indicates capabilities associated with the GFX11 generation, which aligns with RDNA 3. That strengthens the view that RDNA 4m is an upgraded RDNA 3 configuration with selected RDNA 4 modules, rather than a fully new graphics architecture. The practical result is expected to be FSR 4 support on the less powerful “Medusa Point” APU lineup.
AMD is taking a different path with higher-end products. “Medusa Halo” is expected to use the company’s next-generation RDNA 5 / UDNA GPU microarchitecture, while “Medusa Point” will rely on a desktop-exclusive RDNA 4 approach centered on the RDNA 4m variant. Direct comparisons between the two remain limited, but the split indicates AMD is reserving its more advanced graphics architecture for premium systems while extending the life of its existing integrated graphics foundation for broader deployment.
