Historically, mobile workstations have been synonymous with discrete graphics. This is changing in the modern era, as widespread adoption of DDR5 and the higher performance it provides gives integrated solutions the ability to compete in markets that would have once required a dGPU. Simultaneously, the integration of AI processing capabilities on-die alongside the CPU opens new possibilities, expanding what applications like SolidWorks can do, and the types of machines that are best positioned to deliver effective, efficient performance.
The HP ZBook Firefly G11 A (14-inch) and HP ZBook Power G11 A (16-inch) exemplify this trend. These laptops offer up to an AMD RyzenTM 9 PRO 8945HS processor and up to 64GB of DDR5-5600 memory. Up to 16GB of video memory can be dedicated to the integrated GPU via BIOS settings, ensuring the graphics card has enough RAM for even the most demanding renders.
SolidWorks makes significant use of the GPU for effects like ambient occlusion, anti-aliasing, order-independent transparency (OIT), and for occlusion culling. A joint report from HP and AMD puts the ZBook Firefly G11 A and ZBook Power G11 A through their paces in SolidWorks and finds a lot to like, writing: "With the AMD Ryzen 9 PRO 8945HS processor, the HP ZBook Firefly G11 A achieves a smooth 31 frames per second (FPS)—well above the minimum recommended 24 FPS. Achieving this level of 3D performance previously required a mobile workstation with a discrete GPU."
Mobile workstations with discrete GPUs offer higher performance than integrated graphics, but such systems tend to make tradeoffs between weight and/or battery life. Engineers and designers who prioritize flexibility or who work on shop floors where AC power is less available benefit from systems that can deliver a smooth, interactive viewport without draining battery life.
The benchmark results above were collected from two different assemblies. Seadoo, on the left, is a simpler project with ~500K triangles and 73 components, while the computer assembly (right) has 3.6 million triangles and an overall memory footprint of 2.1GB - 3.2GB depending on whether RealView and ambient occlusion are enabled. Performance remains relatively high, even at 4K.
A third-party report from Principled Technologies also backs up this positive assessment. Performance comparisons in SPECworkstation 3.1 show the HP ZBook Power G11 A matching or exceeding the performance of competitive systems equipped with discrete graphics cards:
The AMD RDNA™ 3 graphics architecture inside processors like the AMD Ryzen 9 PRO 8945HS is fast enough to run SolidWorks Visualize, a photorealistic ray tracing-enabled rendering tool that typically requires a discrete GPU. Render times range from 22 seconds to 25 minutes, depending on scene complexity and final resolution. The paper notes: "Although these render times are notably longer compared to those from a workstation with a high-end GPU, many product designers will find them acceptable, especially as it’s possible to carry on with other tasks, while the GPU renders in the background."
Flexibility is a key value proposition for this type of mobile workstation. The AMD Ryzen 9 PRO 8945HS embodies the trait with its powerful CPU and GPU, variable memory configuration, and a cutting-edge neural processing unit (NPU) also integrated on-die. AI processing capabilities are increasingly important to the enterprise and SolidWorks already offers AI integration in some of its software. While existing applications typically target the CPU or GPU, NPU software support will grow as more AI PCs ship and developers become more comfortable with the new technology.
The HP Firefly G11 A and ZBook Power G11 A demonstrate that modern mobile workstation customers don't have to choose between efficiency and acceptable performance. Continuing improvements in semiconductor design and a willingness to integrate new and emerging capabilities like AI have combined to make the iron triangle of performance, power consumption, and cost just a little more flexible.
Julia Lawson is a Senior Business Manager for AMD. Her postings are her own opinions and may not represent AMD’s positions, strategies or opinions. Links to third party sites are provided for convenience and unless explicitly stated, AMD is not responsible for the contents of such linked sites and no endorsement is implied. GD-5