AMD Accelerated Processing Unit
Product brand
UnclaimedA family of AMD processors that combines general-purpose CPU cores and integrated Radeon graphics on a single semiconductor package or die.
Last updated October 14, 2026
Overview
AMD Accelerated Processing Unit, commonly abbreviated APU, is the product designation used by Advanced Micro Devices for processors that integrate a general-purpose AMD64 CPU with a graphics processor on the same silicon platform. The concept was originally marketed internally and publicly under the Fusion name and was intended to bring CPU and GPU resources together more closely than conventional systems that paired a processor with a separate graphics chip. Depending on the generation, an APU can also include memory-control, display, video-decoding, input/output, security, and other system-on-chip functions. The APU program emerged from AMD's effort to respond to changing personal-computer workloads. Traditional CPUs were suited to sequential and general-purpose tasks, while GPUs offered substantial parallel-processing capability for graphics, video, scientific workloads, and emerging heterogeneous-computing applications. AMD's acquisition of ATI Technologies in 2006 supplied the graphics technology and engineering base needed to pursue a combined processor. The project faced technical and organizational delays, including the difficulty of integrating CPU and GPU designs on a single process technology and differing views about how the two types of computing resources should interact. AMD introduced its first commercial APU platforms in 2011. Llano targeted mainstream notebooks and desktops, combining K10-derived CPU cores with Radeon graphics. The lower-power Brazos platform used Bobcat CPU cores and was aimed at netbooks, small notebooks, tablets, all-in-one computers, and compact desktops. These products established the core APU proposition: better integrated graphics and multimedia capability than many conventional integrated solutions, while reducing the need for a discrete GPU and simplifying system design. Subsequent generations included Trinity and Richland, based on Piledriver-derived CPU technology; Kabini and Temash, based on the low-power Jaguar architecture; and Kaveri, based on Steamroller CPU cores and Graphics Core Next graphics. AMD also used APU designs in semi-custom chips for game consoles, including the Sony PlayStation 4 and Microsoft Xbox One, and later console generations. These semi-custom products were not always sold to consumers under the APU name, but they extended the same CPU-GPU integration principle into dedicated gaming hardware. A major strategic element of the product family was heterogeneous computing. AMD supported the Heterogeneous System Architecture initiative, which sought to make it easier for software to use CPU and GPU resources within one coherent programming model. Later APUs added mechanisms intended to reduce data-copying overhead and improve cooperation between the processor and integrated graphics. In practice, the integrated GPU was especially valuable in entry-level and mainstream systems, where it could provide capable graphics and video functionality without the cost, power consumption, and space requirements of a discrete graphics card. With the introduction of AMD's Zen architecture, AMD largely moved away from the standalone A-series APU naming convention in consumer markets. Comparable products were marketed as Ryzen processors with Radeon Graphics or Athlon processors with Radeon Graphics. Desktop models commonly used a G suffix, such as Ryzen 5 3400G and Athlon 3000G, while mobile processors generally carried Radeon graphics branding without a separate APU label. The underlying integrated CPU-GPU design remained important, even as the APU term became less prominent in retail naming. Today, AMD APU is best understood both as a historical product family and as a continuing architectural concept. The name covers multiple generations, process technologies, CPU architectures, graphics architectures, and market segments rather than one continuously sold chip model. Its significance lies in helping establish integrated CPU-GPU processing as a mainstream design appro…
History
AMD's combined CPU-GPU initiative began in 2006 under the Fusion name. The program followed AMD's acquisition of ATI Technologies, which gave AMD access to graphics processors, graphics-driver expertise, and chipset capabilities. The strategic objective was to place CPU and GPU functions on one piece of silicon and enable software to assign suitable workloads to each type of processor. This was more ambitious than simply adding basic graphics to a CPU, because AMD aimed to make the two computing engines cooperate through common memory and programming infrastructure. Development took longer than originally expected. AMD had to address the physical and electrical difficulties of integrating CPU and GPU designs, including process-technology constraints and the allocation of die area, power, and memory bandwidth. The project also involved disagreements over the intended relationship between CPU and GPU resources. After several internal iterations, AMD brought the first generation to market in 2011. Llano was the principal mainstream launch. It combined K10-derived CPU cores with an integrated Radeon HD 6000-series graphics processor and used the FM1 platform. Desktop and notebook versions offered two to four CPU cores and were designed for systems that needed stronger integrated graphics than basic motherboard or processor graphics could provide. Llano received criticism for CPU performance and for AMD's rapid move away from the FM1 socket, but its integrated graphics were a relative strength in its segment. The low-power counterpart was Brazos, built around AMD's Bobcat architecture. Ontario and Zacate versions targeted netbooks, value notebooks, all-in-one systems, small-form-factor desktops, and other power-constrained devices. Desna and Hondo extended the concept toward tablets. These products paired low-power x86 CPU cores with Radeon graphics and video acceleration, making them suitable for compact systems that could not accommodate a discrete graphics processor. Trinity represented the next major mainstream generation. Released in 2012, it used Piledriver-derived CPU cores and Radeon HD 7000-series graphics on the FM2 platform. Compared with Llano, Trinity improved CPU performance while retaining the integrated-graphics emphasis. Richland followed in 2013 as an enhanced Piledriver generation for mobile and desktop systems, adding refinements to power management and Turbo Core behavior. AMD also developed Brazos 2.0, which reused much of the earlier low-power silicon with updated clocks, graphics branding, and platform components. AMD replaced its planned Deccan low-power generation, including Krishna and Wichita, before commercial release. In parallel, it introduced Kabini and Temash, based on the Jaguar architecture and manufactured on a 28-nanometer process. Kabini targeted low-power notebooks, ultra-thin systems, netbooks, compact desktops, and small-form-factor products, while Temash focused more heavily on tablets and ultra-low-power devices. These chips integrated CPU, graphics, memory, and controller functions more extensively and were among the earliest quad-core x86 system-on-chip designs. Kaveri, introduced beginning in 2014, used Steamroller CPU cores and second-generation Graphics Core Next graphics. It supported AMD's Heterogeneous System Architecture objectives, including a model in which CPU and GPU components could work with shared data more efficiently. Kaveri also added features such as TrueAudio and modern display and media capabilities. Its graphics performance and performance-per-watt improvements were notable, although contemporary comparisons often found that its general-purpose CPU performance trailed similarly positioned Intel processors. APU technology also became central to AMD's semi-custom business. AMD supplied integrated CPU-GPU chips for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, and later for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and Series S families. Console APUs were customized for each platform and were not identical to retail PC parts, but they reflected the same broad architecture: x86-compatible CPU resources and Radeon-derived graphics combined in a single system processor. Following the arrival of Zen, AMD changed its consumer naming approach. Newer integrated-graphics processors were generally sold as Ryzen with Radeon Graphics or Athlon with Radeon Graphics rather than as A-series APUs. Desktop products frequently received a G suffix, while mobile products continued to identify Radeon graphics in their specifications. Consequently, APU remains both a historical AMD brand and a useful description of AMD's integrated CPU-GPU product architecture.
- 2014
Kaveri launches
[1]Kaveri introduces Steamroller CPU cores, Graphics Core Next graphics, and stronger heterogeneous-computing integration.
- 2013
Kabini and Temash arrive
[1]Jaguar-based low-power APUs expand AMD's integrated processor offerings for notebooks, tablets, and compact systems.
- 2013
AMD-powered eighth-generation consoles launch
[1]Semi-custom AMD CPU-GPU processors power the Sony PlayStation 4 and Microsoft Xbox One.
- 2012
Trinity launches
[1]The second mainstream APU generation combines Piledriver-derived CPU cores with Radeon HD 7000-series graphics.
- 2011
Llano and Brazos are announced and launched
[1]AMD announces its first APU generation in January and releases the first units in June, with Llano for mainstream systems and Brazos for low-power devices.
- 2006
Fusion project begins
[1]AMD's effort to combine CPU and GPU functions gains momentum following its acquisition of ATI Technologies.
Zen-era products adopt Ryzen and Athlon graphics branding
[1]AMD increasingly replaces the standalone APU label with Ryzen or Athlon processor branding that identifies integrated Radeon graphics.
Products and positioning
Integrated CPU-GPU processing for mainstream, low-power, multimedia, gaming, and heterogeneous-computing workloads.
Mainstream desktop and notebook APU · 2011
Llano
AMD's first commercial mainstream APU generation, Llano combined K10-derived CPU cores with Radeon HD 6000-series integrated graphics on the FM1 platform. It targeted notebooks and desktops and emphasized stronger integrated graphics and multimedia capability. The design used a 32-nanometer process and supported DirectX 11, OpenCL, multi-monitor output, and hardware video acceleration.
Low-power APU platform · 2011
Brazos
Brazos was AMD's low-power APU platform for netbooks, value notebooks, all-in-one computers, small desktops, and related compact systems. It used Bobcat CPU cores and integrated Radeon graphics with video acceleration. Ontario parts were designed around very low power consumption, while Zacate parts served somewhat more capable mainstream low-power systems.
Mainstream desktop and notebook APU · 2012
Trinity
Trinity was the second major mainstream APU generation. It used Piledriver-derived CPU cores and Radeon HD 7000-series integrated graphics and was sold for both mobile and desktop platforms. AMD improved CPU performance over Llano while retaining the APU's central value proposition of capable integrated graphics, display support, media functions, and reduced dependence on a separate GPU.
Enhanced mainstream APU · 2013
Richland
Richland refined the Trinity design for mobile and desktop computers. Its enhanced Piledriver cores and updated power-management behavior were intended to improve performance within fixed thermal limits. AMD introduced mobile versions in March 2013 and desktop versions in June 2013, including lower-power options and revised Turbo Core controls that could adjust CPU and GPU frequencies according to workload.
Low-power notebook and small-form-factor APU · 2013
Kabini
Kabini used AMD's Jaguar architecture and a Graphics Core Next-based integrated GPU. It targeted low-power notebooks, ultra-thin computers, netbooks, small desktops, and embedded-style compact systems. The platform integrated substantial system-controller functionality and supported modern x86 instructions, power-saving states, USB 3.0, SATA 6 Gbit/s, and hardware-accelerated graphics and video.
Tablet and ultra-low-power APU · 2013
Temash
Temash was the more power-constrained companion to Kabini, designed for tablets, ultra-low-power notebooks, and compact form factors. It combined Jaguar CPU cores with integrated Graphics Core Next graphics and supported hardware video and modern display capabilities. Its design prioritized energy efficiency and system integration over the performance levels associated with AMD's mainstream desktop APUs.
Heterogeneous desktop and notebook APU · 2014
Kaveri
Kaveri combined Steamroller CPU cores with Graphics Core Next integrated graphics and advanced AMD heterogeneous-computing features. It supported shared CPU-GPU data models associated with HSA, along with AMD TrueAudio, modern display interfaces, and improved graphics performance per watt. Desktop and mobile configurations covered a broad thermal range and used FM2+ or mobile packaging platforms.
Zen-based integrated-graphics processor
Ryzen with Radeon Graphics
After AMD introduced the Zen architecture, many products that fit the traditional APU definition were marketed as Ryzen processors with Radeon Graphics. Desktop examples commonly used a G suffix, distinguishing integrated-graphics models from otherwise similar processors without that feature. These products continued the APU approach while aligning it with AMD's broader Ryzen processor family.
Game-console system processor · 2013
Semi-custom console APUs
AMD has supplied semi-custom CPU-GPU system processors for major game consoles. Designs used in the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, and later in the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, combine x86 CPU resources with Radeon-derived graphics and platform-specific customization. These chips extend the APU design philosophy to fixed-function gaming systems.
Brand decisions
2013
AMD expands APU technology into semi-custom game-console processorsStrategyBackground
The console market required custom system processors that could combine CPU performance, graphics capability, memory access, and platform-specific features.
Action taken
AMD supplied semi-custom integrated CPU-GPU designs for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, later extending the approach to newer Sony and Microsoft consoles.
Aftermath
The console engagements broadened AMD's use of APU-style integration beyond consumer PCs and became a continuing part of its semi-custom product business.
2012
AMD promotes Heterogeneous System Architecture as the broader platform directionStrategyBackground
AMD sought to define CPU-GPU integration as a computing and software-development model rather than only as a chip packaging technique.
Action taken
The company promoted HSA and related programming concepts in cooperation with the HSA Foundation and other participants, while continuing to develop integrated CPU-GPU products.
Aftermath
HSA became an important part of the positioning of later APUs, particularly Kaveri, although subsequent consumer product naming emphasized Ryzen and Radeon Graphics instead of the standalone APU label.
- AMD transitions from APU naming to Ryzen and Athlon with Radeon GraphicsStrategy
Background
AMD's Zen-based processor portfolio introduced a stronger family brand that could cover both integrated-graphics and conventional processor products.
Action taken
AMD generally marketed later consumer integrated-graphics processors as Ryzen with Radeon Graphics or Athlon with Radeon Graphics, with many desktop models carrying a G suffix.
Aftermath
The APU term remained useful as an architectural description, but became less prominent as a standalone retail brand.
Recent events
- 2014
Kaveri brings Steamroller and HSA-oriented integration[1]
Product launch · Product generation
Kaveri introduced a new APU generation with Steamroller CPU cores, Graphics Core Next graphics, and closer CPU-GPU integration, including heterogeneous-computing features.
- 2013
AMD launches Jaguar-based Kabini and Temash APUs[1]
Product launch · Product generation
The Kabini and Temash platforms targeted low-power notebooks, tablets, ultra-thin systems, and compact computers with Jaguar CPU cores and integrated Graphics Core Next graphics.
- 2013
PlayStation 4 and Xbox One use AMD semi-custom APUs[1]
Product launch
Sony and Microsoft selected AMD semi-custom CPU-GPU designs for their eighth-generation consoles, expanding AMD's integrated processor technology beyond personal computers.
- 2012
AMD shifts Fusion terminology toward heterogeneous system architecture[1]
Lawsuit
AMD promoted the broader Heterogeneous System Architecture concept as the architectural direction behind CPU-GPU cooperation. The Fusion name was also affected by a trademark dispute involving Arctic.
- 2012
Trinity and Richland extend AMD's second-generation APU family[1]
Product launch · Product generation
Trinity brought Piledriver-derived CPU cores and Radeon HD 7000-series graphics to mainstream systems, followed by Richland mobile and desktop variants in 2013.
- 2011
AMD introduces its first-generation APU platforms[1]
Product launch · Product generation
AMD announced Llano for mainstream notebooks and desktops and Brazos for low-power systems, establishing the commercial APU family.
AMD adopts Ryzen and Athlon branding for later integrated-graphics processors[1]
Product generation
After the introduction of Zen, AMD generally marketed consumer APU-like products as Ryzen with Radeon Graphics or Athlon with Radeon Graphics, with many desktop models identified by a G suffix.
Sources1 sources
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