AMD Radeon Uncovered: AMD SmartAccess

Our GPUs are marvellous pieces of tech packed with cutting-edge features designed to enhance our performance. AMD SmartAccess is just one of many included with all AMD Radeon GPUs which we’re uncovering in this blog post.

What is AMD SmartAccess?

AMD SmartAccess enables your Ryzen processor to harness the full potential of your GPU’s memory (VRAM) to enhance your performance and reduce latency.

There are multiple versions of AMD’s Smart Technologies, each designed to improve your experience depending on your workload. This includes:

SmartShift Max – dynamically shifts power between your Ryzen processor and Radeon GPU in your laptop to notably enhance gaming, video editing, 3D rendering, content creation, and productivity.

SmartShift Eco – allows you to play or create for longer unplugged. While on the go, your games will use your Ryzen processors integrated graphics, however, when plugged in, your laptop automatically switches to Radeon graphics for unparalleled performance.

SmartShift RSR – designed to upscale your gameplay through Radeon Super Resolution (RSR) while intelligently maintaining a high and steady FPS.

SmartAccess Graphics – automatically determines whether your PC should use your dGPU or APU based on your workload.

SmartAccess Memory – provides your Ryzen processor with full access to your Radeon GPU VRAM for faster data transfers between the two with minimal latency.

SmartAccess Video – accesses the video compression engines on both your Ryzen CPU and Radeon GPU to evenly distribute video encoding and decoding for faster speeds, fewer dropped frames, and smoother editing.

What Hardware Do You Need for AMD SmartAccess?

All of AMD’s Smart technologies require an AMD Ryzen processor and Radeon graphics card to work. However, for certain versions, you’ll need to ensure your PC meets a few requirements. This includes;

SmartAccess Memory

Minimum
AMD 500 Series Motherboard or later
AMD Ryzen 5000 Series CPU or later
AMD Radeon RX 6000 Series GPU or later
Updated BIOS to support SAM functionality

SmartAccess Video

Minimum
AMD 500 or 600 Series Motherboard or later
AMD Ryzen 3000, 5000, or 7000 Series CPU or later
AMD Radeon RX 6000 Series GPU or later
The latest GPU drivers

SmartAccess Graphics

Minimum
AMD 500 or 600 Series Motherboard or later
AMD Ryzen 3000, 5000, or 7000 Series CPU or later. This cannot be an APU.
AMD Radeon RX 6000 Series GPU or later
AMD Radeon Software Driver 20.11.12

How Will AMD SmartAcess Improve Your Performance?

AMD Smart technologies have been designed to squeeze as much performance out of your hardware as possible. Perfect for those looking to level up their gaming or creative workflows.

For example, AMD SmartAccess Video streamlines the process by utilising both your CPU and GPU video encoders and decoders. This enables fast speeds while you create, fewer dropped frames, and even better responsiveness while editing your next viral video. Plus, the entire process is evenly split across both video compression engines to facilitate greater efficiency and minimal latency during your heavy-duty workloads.

Looking to Take Advantage of AMD Smart Tech?

If you’re looking to harness AMD Smart tech to revolutionise the way you game or create, you can find plenty of high-quality compatible gaming PCs at Overclockers UK.

We’ve showcased three of our faves below, but you can also explore our full collection of AMD gaming PCs by clicking the button.

Shop AMD Gaming PCs