iGPU Performance on FW12's Single-Channel RAM?

Does anyone have an idea how much of a performance hit the Intel UHD Graphics will take given that the RAM is single-channel instead of dual? I know the Framework Laptop 12 is the last laptop anyone should get for GPU-intensive tasks, but hearing that existing benchmarks on this iGPU won’t reflect the performance on the Laptop 12 because the RAM is single-channel makes it hard to guesstimate its limits.

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Look at any of the i5 1334u or 1335u or 1235u gaming performance videos on YouTube it should be pretty similar, IIRC those videos have dual channel DDR4 which should be similar performance to single channel DDR5.

I know the difference in performance between single and dual channel ram is a lot less with DDR5 than it is with DDR4. However, most of the benchmarks I can find that show this involve systems with a dedicated GPU.
I did find this video showing the performance of Intel UHD graphics on an i3 1215U with a single 8GB DDR4 ram. The average framerate in most of the games seems decent at a glance, but the 1 percent lows and frametime don’t look good.
I plan on installing a Kingston Fury DDR5 32GB module in a base model i3 1315U FW12. This ram is dual rank and CL38 at 5200MHz, so I’m curious to see how well it performs.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Nav3UZfRZE Here is the i5-1335u in an ASUS Vivobook 15 (A1504) with 16gb DDR4

I asked ChatGPT how it might compare to Steam Deck performance:

The Intel Core i5-1335U and the Steam Deck’s custom AMD APU (Aerith) are both low-power chips aimed at thin laptops and handheld gaming respectively—but they’re very different in performance profile and gaming capability.

:wrench: Specs Comparison

Feature i5-1335U Steam Deck APU (Aerith)
CPU 10-core (2P + 8E), up to 4.6 GHz 4-core/8-thread Zen 2, up to ~3.5 GHz
GPU Intel Iris Xe (80 EUs) RDNA 2 GPU (8 CUs @ 1.6 GHz)
TDP 15W (up to ~55W boost) 15W (fixed, optimized for handheld)
Process Node Intel 7 (10nm ESF) TSMC 7nm
Platform Ultrabooks, light laptops Steam Deck (Linux-based gaming handheld)

:video_game: Gaming Performance Overview

:white_check_mark: Steam Deck Wins at Gaming

  • RDNA 2 GPU in the Steam Deck is vastly superior to Intel’s Iris Xe graphics.
  • Even though the i5-1335U has more CPU threads and higher boost clocks, most games are GPU-bound at 720p or 800p, where the Deck performs better.
  • The Steam Deck can handle modern games at native 1280x800 with FSR, often around 30–60 FPS on optimized settings.

:cross_mark: i5-1335U Weak for Gaming

  • Iris Xe (80 EU) struggles with AAA games. Even at 720p/low settings, expect:

    • Elden Ring: 20–25 FPS (unplayable)
    • CS:GO / Valorant: ~60–80 FPS
    • Cyberpunk 2077: 15–20 FPS (unplayable)
    • Skyrim / Witcher 3 (low): ~30–40 FPS
  • Great for older or indie titles, but not for modern, GPU-intensive games.


:test_tube: Real-World Benchmarks Summary

Game Steam Deck (800p Low–Medium) i5-1335U (720p Low)
Elden Ring 30–40 FPS (with FSR) 20–25 FPS
Cyberpunk 2077 30–40 FPS (with tweaks) 15–20 FPS
GTA V 50–60 FPS ~30 FPS
Skyrim SE 60 FPS 30–40 FPS
Hades / Dead Cells 60+ FPS 60+ FPS
Doom Eternal 30–45 FPS Not playable (~20 FPS)

:memo: Conclusion

  • Steam Deck is significantly better for gaming thanks to its RDNA 2 GPU and handheld-optimized platform.
  • The i5-1335U is fine for light gaming, emulators, and indie titles, but not a good choice for modern AAA games.
  • If you’re looking for portable gaming, the Steam Deck is far superior.
  • If you just want a laptop for light gaming, the i5-1335U works only with very modest expectations.
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https://youtu.be/h5dspiGOtD4?si=2raZc6KuotOKtzxm Here’s 30 game benchmarks with the i5 1345u with 16gb DDR4