AMD has recently released a preview driver, version 23.40.01.10, which enables Fluid Motion Frames (AFMF) on Radeon 700M integrated GPUs. This exciting development opens up new possibilities for users, particularly those with mobile 7040 and 8040 APUs, desktop 8000G APUs, and Z1 and Z1 Extreme SoCs for handheld PCs.
AFMF is a revolutionary frame generation technology that aims to enhance gaming experiences in DirectX 11 and DirectX 12 games. Unlike other frame generation technologies, AFMF offers broader compatibility, making it compatible with a wider range of games. However, this broader compatibility comes at a cost – AFMF cannot utilize motion vectors to construct frames with high precision, resulting in potentially lower image quality compared to FSR 3 and DLSS 3.
Another downside of AFMF, similar to other frame generation technologies, is increased latency. While AMD’s Anti-Lag+ feature tries to mitigate this issue, it remains a trade-off that users should consider. Nevertheless, for users with 700M iGPUs, AFMF could prove to be a valuable tool. With older AAA titles, even the 780M struggles to maintain a smooth framerate. In these situations, AFMF can be an attractive alternative to reducing resolution or disabling visual options.
However, there is a catch: AMD advises enabling AFMF only if the framerate is already stable at 60 FPS. Lower framerates result in higher latency, potentially compromising the gaming experience. This recommendation poses a challenge for 700M series iGPU users, as achieving a consistent 60 FPS can be difficult.
Despite this limitation, the potential for AFMF to find a niche in the desktop Ryzen 8000G series is worth exploring. With higher TDPs and slightly higher clock speeds, these APUs may have the necessary firepower to surpass the 60 FPS threshold, allowing users to optimize AFMF effectively.
In conclusion, AMD’s introduction of AFMF for Radeon 700M GPUs presents an exciting opportunity for enhanced gaming experiences. Users must carefully consider the trade-offs of decreased image quality and increased latency. However, for those seeking an alternative to resolution reduction or disabling graphics options, AFMF could prove to be a valuable addition to their gaming arsenal.