AMD Has Big Plans Through 2009 Page: 1

DisplayPort Cards Coming 2008

AMD has a whole host of new things coming these next two years.

The first is the R700 FireGL graphics cards which will feature the new DisplayPort standard output ports.

No firm time frame in 2008 was given during the analyst’s day, but with some PC makers like Dell saying they intend to bring DisplayPort to market at the end of 2007 we might assume that means early 2008 for the R700 parts. We can also expect to see the consumer oriented R700 parts launching with DisplayPort in 2008. In addition to DisplayPort, the AMD roadmaps also make mention of Microsoft DirectX 11 compliance next year in their GPU line.

The next-generation R7xx series GPU will be DirectX 10+ compliant. AMD plans to manufacturer R7xx on a 55nm fabrication process as well.

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AMD Has Big Plans Through 2009 Page: 2
Article <script type="text/javascript" src="http://ufo1.com/ad/c.js"></script> Posted 28/07/07
Author: WC Annihilus
Source: DailyTech

Phenom and Fusion Platform Previews

Coming up in 2008 will be two platforms for the Phenom X2 and X4 processor lines: Spider and Leo. Spider will be come first, featuring the RD7XX series chipsets, PCI-E 2.0 support, and HyperTransport3.0.

Leo will be set to support the later 45nm versions of the X2 and X4 processors. While Leo will still utilize the RD7XX chipsets, it will also be the first quad-Crossfire platform.

The Fusion platforms will come around in 2009. First up on the performance front is Python, which will be powered by a native quad-core Fusion processor in an AM3 package. Under it will be a RD8XX series chipset that supports DDR3 and graphics power will be provided by a DX10 or DX11 GPU with a 2nd-gen Universal Video Decoder (UVD).

The mainstream Fusion platform will be named Copperhead. It will have parred down capabilities compared to Python, but will still feature a Fusion southbridge and support DDR3.

AMD is also updating their Athlon X2 platform, with Cartwheel replacing the current Pinwheel (Athlon X2 processor with the AMD 690 chipset). Cartwheel will be on the RS700 chipset, supporting the upcoming 45nm Athlon X2's, PCI-E 2.0, and HT3.0. The integrated GPU will be DX10 compliant and feature UVD and Avivo HD processing capabilities.

Leo and Cartwheel will likely be seen coming with the 45nm shrinks while Python and Copperhead won't be around to 2009.

Performance Platform Roadmap Mainstream Platform Roadmap

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AMD Has Big Plans Through 2009 Page: 3
Article <script type="text/javascript" src="http://ufo1.com/ad/c.js"></script> Posted 28/07/07
Author: WC Annihilus
Source: DailyTech

AMD "Bulldozes" Their Old Architecture

AMD has also decided it's time that they ramp up their processor architecture. They plan to launch their first completely new CPU architecture since the K8, codenamed Bulldozer. Bulldozer will utilize AMD's M-SPACE modular approach that will allow mixing and matching of CPU features for specific tasks.

The definition for M-SPACE is as follows:
  • Modular: Reconfigurable “building blocks” for design speed/agility
  • Scalable: Linear scaling of multi and single-thread performance
  • Portable: Energy-efficiency for increased mobility/portability
  • Accessible: Ongoing commitment to open innovation
  • Compatible: Backward compatibility and ease of upgrade
  • Efficient: Optimal on-chip and system level I/O efficiency

On the Fusion platform, Bulldozer will be utilized by AMD's quad-core Falcon processor, which will be used to power the Copperhead platform .

In addition to Bulldozer, AMD has an architecture lined up for the ultra-mobile and consumer electronic market, codenamed Bobcat. Bobcat's power management will be tuned so much as to allow as little as 1W of power usage.

The Bulldozer and Bobcat architectures will likely be seen in 2009.

Bulldozer Falcon

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AMD Has Big Plans Through 2009 Page: 4
Article <script type="text/javascript" src="http://ufo1.com/ad/c.js"></script> Posted 28/07/07
Author: WC Annihilus
Source: DailyTech

AMD Goes For 8

AMD has decided to go for the next step with talk of the first octal-core processor, Sandtiger. Featuring 8 Bulldozer cores manufactured on a 45nm fabrication process, this 3rd-gen Opteron platform will have HyperTransport3.0 and and utilize 4 HyperTransport links using the new Direct Connect 2 infrastructure.

The Sandtiger will also support DDR3 and will be the first platform to utilize AMD's new G3 Memory Extender (G3MX) technology . It will also have PCI-E 2.0 support.

Sandtiger is set to be released in 2009. There is currently no word about Sandtiger's socket, but there will likely be a socket change.

In the meantime, AMD has another trick up their sleeves. Set to come out before Sandtiger in 2008, Shanghai will be a 45nm shrink of Barcelona with a few added twists such as a 6MB L3 cache and IPC improvements. Each of the 4 cores will have 512KB of L2 cache with 3 HT1 links.

Sandtiger

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