What is it? AMD and Intel are taking similar, yet different approaches to putting graphics in with the CPU.

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1 Is an Inflection Point Coming to the Workstation Market? By Jon Peddie, Jon Peddie Research Later this year AMD and Intel will announce their new processors with embedded graphics. This is the next stage in the endless march of integration of functions made possible by shrinking process size in semiconductor fabrication. This new level of integration brings with it enhanced performance, similar or less power consumption, similar pricing, and a similar package size for the chip all the things Moore s law is famous for. What is it? AMD and Intel are taking similar, yet different approaches to putting graphics in with the CPU. Intel In late 2009 Intel introduced a new processor code named Clarksdale (desktop) and Arrandale (notebook) branded as Core i5. These new processors are a multi-chip and have a 45 nm integrated graphics processor die, and a 32 nm multi-core x86 CPU die in the same package. They are known as Embedded Processor Graphics devices or EPGs. These devices will find their way into low-end and midrange PCs and have limited graphics performance, but much better than the previous generation of external integrated graphics chipsets known as IGPs; they support DirectX 10. These devices will replace IGPs. In early 2011 Intel will introduce an EPG code named Sandy Bridge. This will be a completely

2 integrated unit, with 1.5 times the graphics performance of Westmere, and will be manufactured using a 32nm fabrication process. Sandy Bridge has several new features and architectural changes, most notably a new CPU core and a new, integrated GPU. In addition there is the new Advanced Vector Extensions (AVX), enhanced PCI express and memory interfaces, video acceleration, and native DisplayPort. AMD The next generation of graphics and processors will be the Heterogeneous Processor Unit (HPU). AMD will introduce the Fusion HPU architecture they call an Accelerator Processing Unit (APU.) In late 2010 AMD will ship two low-end HPUs code named Ontario and Zacate, and a high-end HPU code named Llano will ship in 2011.

3 The 18-watt Zacate and the 9-watt TDP Ontario, will be made in a 40nm TSMC process, will have two Bobcat cores, DirectX 11, many-core graphics, and DDR3 memory controller. Ontario will show up in PCs in early The Llano HPU that will be made in Global Foundries' 32nm process, and Llano will use an enhanced version of an existing 45nm x86 core moved to a 32nm process, have four x86 cores and will come in versions using at least two different DX11 graphics cores all linked to DDR3 DRAM. PCs with Llano are expected to ship in the second half of next year. Does this a workstation make? Although some entry-level 2D workstations have been built using integrated graphics chipsets (IGPs), this configuration has not been as popular in the workstation market. IGPs are used primarily in the entry-level (Value) consumer and commercial PC market. However, the new EPG and HPU processors will have significantly more graphics capability than previous CPUs that used external IGP chipsets. Furthermore, the HPUs from AMD will have a full fledged multi-core SIMD parallel processing array that is Open GL 3.2, DirectX 11, and Open CL compatible heretofore you had to use a state of the art graphics add-in board (AIB) to get that kind of capability.

4 See more do more Another issue is the ability to run multiple displays almost a must in workstation land. Intel s EPG Sandy Bridge will be able to drive two displays with either HDMI, DisplayPort, or DVI, as well as a VGA display. AMD s Fusion HPUs will drive three Display Port displays directly. For users who find they want more power, a graphics AIB can be added to either Sandy Bridge or Fusion platforms. However, with AMD if the AIB is an AMD AIB, the GPU in it can be ganged to the GPU in the Fusion processor using AMD s proprietary Cross Fire technology. What applications? CAD hasn t been too demanding on graphics engines for some time, even when 3D drawings are made (except when you get into really large complex datasets.) Therefore either Intel s Sandy Bridge or AMD s Fusion will be perfectly capable of handling line drawings for CAD applications. However, the hardware accelerated tessellation engine in the Fusion processor will offer even more capability to complex CAD drawings. Solid modeling is a bit more demanding. Shading, lighting, shadows and reflections take a lot of graphics power and here is where AMD will pull ahead of Intel due to its more powerful GPU. However, as the models become more complex the HPUs will not be able to handle the workload. Also, entry-level workstations won t be equipped with large amounts of RAM or large disks. Video editing will make use of the GPU in the HPUs for transcoding and color filters, or the dedicated hardware video accelerator in the EPGs. Both EPGs with the advanced vector engine and the HPUs with their multicore GPUs will be very good at transformations and surprise a lot of workstation users. And a new form factor? The other possibility is for a new class of entry-level workstations using the all-in-one form factor that has become so popular in consumer PCs. These machines will have 19 to 32-inch screens with the computer mounted behind them, a wireless keyboard and mouse, and most likely a touch screen. Who s going to use such a machine? Not everyone who uses a workstation is a power-user. There are a lot of entry-level and midrange engineers, designers, financial analysts, and video editors who spend long hours in front of a workstation. Two of the main complaints those users have is noise and heat. An all-in-one form factor that sits only on the desk (no side car or rack chassis) will run cool, and quiet. Summary There are six categories of workstations and no one size or model fits all user s needs or budgets. The new EPG and HPU based system will nicely augment the workstation market and I think expand the user base by putting more performance capability at new price points in more users

5 hands. This is a definite and real inflection point in the industry and the turning point for many companies and users in that it opens up new opportunities and capabilities.