Taipei (Taiwan) – AMD pushed Fusion as one of the main reasons to justify its acquisition of ATI. Since then, AMD’s finances have changed colors and are now deep in the red, the top management has changed, and Fusion still isn’t anything AMD wants to discuss in detail. But there are always “industry sources” and these sources have told us that Fusion is likely to be introduced as a half-node chip.  

It appears that AMD’s engineers in Dresden, Markham and Sunnyvale have been making lots of trips to little island of Formosa lately - the home of contract manufacturer TSMC, which will be producing Fusion CPUs. Our sources indicated that both companies are quite busy laying out the productions scenarios of AMD’s first CPU+GPU chip.
 
The first Fusion processor is code-named Shrike, which will, if our sources are right, consist of a dual-core Phenom CPU and an ATI RV800 GPU core. This news is actually a big surprise, as Shrike was originally rumored to debut as a combination of a dual-core Kuma CPU and a RV710-based graphics unit. A few more quarters of development time gave AMD time to continue working on a low-end RV800-based core to be integrated with Fusion. RV800 chips will be DirectX 10.1 compliant and are expected to deliver a bit more than just a 55 nm-40 nm dieshrink.

While Shrike will debut as a 40 nm chip, the processor is scheduled to transition to 32 nm at the beginning of 2010 - not much later than Intel will introduce 32 nm - and serve as a stop-gap before the next-gen CPU core, code-named "Bulldozer" arrives. The Bulldozer-based chip, code-named “Falcon”, will debut with TSMC's 32nm SOI process, instead of the originally planned 45 nm.

As Fusion is shaping up right, we should expect the chip be become the first half-node CPU (between 45 and 32 nm) in a very long time.

Phenom CPU ATI RV800 GPU

Aug 04, 2008 04:04     

Which one is better Kuma or Phenom? I hoped Amd makes a new Cpu architecture that replaces Phenom and use it on Fusion...well anyway I think Fusion will rock both Intel and Nvidia.
BlueSohip report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +20

second gen called...?

Aug 04, 2008 06:50     

Sorry but you wrote that the second-gen Fusion chips will be called both in code name two different names. Is it going to be code-named "Bulldozer" or code-named “Falcon”?
Gan Xodos report abuse vote down vote up Votes: -5

Fingers crossed

Aug 04, 2008 07:01     

Go AMD! Get out of the red! Run for the light!
salgado report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +27

Willit be a new socket?

Aug 04, 2008 07:39     

Will these run in AM2/AM2 boards. I was about to buy a new mobo/cpu. I just want to know how upgradable it will be. Sorry for the question, I just don't want to waste money if I can't upgrade in a year.
velo report abuse vote down vote up Votes: -1

Why Only One GPU Core?

Aug 04, 2008 08:26     

Why does AMDATI's Fusion chip only have one GPU core? It should be a quad-core chip with 2 CPU and 2 GPU cores. The user should have the option of using 2 GPU cores for one monitor in Crossfire mode or two independent monitors. Also, the mobo must have 2 DVI and at least one S-video out connections.
Cypherdude report abuse vote down vote up Votes: -53

Does the CPU and GPU share the same clock?

Aug 04, 2008 11:47     

I would think they would if they are as integrated as I'm led to believe. Also these are not meant to compete in the high end market. 2 CPU cores and 1 GPU cores, no matter how advanced the tech is will not out perform what you can currently buy on the high end. I think gamers will definitely pass on this cause it is aimed for notebooks and OEMs which is where compact design, market volume and efficiency matter.

tomt report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

RE: Answers...

Aug 04, 2008 13:19     

To Gan: Bulldozer is the codename for new processor architecture. Bulldozer core will be paired in future products that bear different names. Falcon is 2x Bulldozer plus one unnamed ATI Radeon core. To Vello: Yes, AMD Shrike and Falcon will both use new socket, and no, that socket will not be compatible with current motherboards.
Theo@TG Daily report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +1

@Gan Xodos: The core will be codenamed Bulldozer an...

Aug 04, 2008 15:05     

@Gan Xodos: The core will be codenamed Bulldozer and the chip that will implement that core will be called Falcon.
Alex report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

RE: Why Only One GPU Core?

Aug 04, 2008 15:08     

Actually, in their current technology their 4870s technically have over 800 cores, why reduce it to 2? GPU's and CPU's work differently now, and the " stream processors " are basically like individual cores of a CPU.
Nitai report abuse vote down vote up Votes: -1

Re: second gen called...?

Aug 04, 2008 15:19     

AMD's next-gen CPU is codenamed Bulldozer. The second generation Fusion processor, of which Bulldozer is a part of, is codenamed Falcon.
Mike report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Clarifications

Aug 04, 2008 15:22     

@Gan: The next-gen CPU is codenamed Bulldozer. The next-gen fusion chip based on Bulldozer is called Falcon. Read more closely. @Cypherdude: The mobo can still have 2 dvi and at least one s-video out, even with just one gpu. This is not meant to have high-powered graphics, but to be a single chip solution for notebooks to have multi-core CPU, real 3d graphics, hardware video decode, etc. If you want beefier graphics, plug in another video card.

slickface report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +1

re: second gen called...?

Aug 04, 2008 15:29     

@Gan Xodos Those are internal engineering vs. marketing names
veritas report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Kuma = Phenom, Fusion not the end of normal CPUs

Aug 04, 2008 15:47     

But isn't Kuma a dual-core 65nm version of the Phenom chips? Phenom being Agena in 65nm quad-core and Toliman in 65nm tri-core. A dual-core 45nm Phenom-based chip would be Heka. They're all technically Phenom, it's just the 45nm models will be superior, and if this one's going to be 40nm and 32nm, then it's even better. Also, I figure Fusion will warrant a new socket, but Fusion's also not likely to have the same socket at all to the CPUs that will be released alongside it. AMD isn't going to discontinue the 'pure CPU' chips, and guaranteed Enthusiasts and other high-end users are still going to prefer a dedicated CPU and dedicated graphics card over Fusion- Fusion's more for Notebooks/Laptops and other low-profile solutions. If you're getting a new motherboard for your new Desktop, I would think Fusion wouldn't be a concern. Then again, I don't know AMD's plan, but I do know they have plans for non-Fusion chips alongside the Fusion chips, which means they're sticking with the AM2/AM2 /AM3 socket style for non-Fusion Desktop solutions.

apstorm report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

why only one gpu core...

Aug 04, 2008 15:49     

i guess that's because one gpu core uses a much wider area on the chip. it's not like just change 1 for another one, their sizes are not really the same.
laio report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Nice

Aug 04, 2008 16:07     

Dude AMD has always ROCKED and they always will! JT www.ultimate-Anonymity.com
Jim Jones report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +2

code-name confusion

Aug 04, 2008 16:21     

@Gan Xodos: The core is codenamed "Bulldozer". The chip that the core is used in is codenamed "Falcon".
dotnetdotcom report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

RE: second gen called

Aug 04, 2008 16:24     

The second generation of fusion ships will be code named Falcon. IE Falcon is a Bulldozer with a GPU. Bulldozer is the CPU codename.
Luke report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

its called give and take...

Aug 04, 2008 16:34     

fusion only has one gpu core because its freakin' 40nm, has an x86 dual core processor, and a rv800 gpu... you got an engineering degree? go work for amd and tell them how to build what you want.... trick is to be smarter than the box your new processor comes in, buddy. good luck....
dario report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

RE: new socket / RE: only one core?

Aug 04, 2008 16:37     

Now socket? Probably will be AM3. Unless AMD tells us otherwise, I would assume it would be the upcoming AM3 socket. As for only being one core. Remember this is just rumors for right now and it's a big first step. I'm sure they'll have more cores in later products. Right now, it's just 2 CPU and one GPU. Which is a great start. I can't wait to try it.
AMD Fan report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +1

Good luck AMD

Aug 04, 2008 16:55     

to velo: It will definitely have to be a new socket probably AM3 or something else. to cypherdude: I don't quite understand your comment. Most motherboards with IGP have a single core and work well within their design limits. Why should the Fusion need a dual GPU? For one thing heat may become an issue. Second, I think AMD needs as much real estate for cache logic and the CPU cores as possible not to mention interconnects between the CPU and GPU core. As for your dream configuration I might suggest that you would probably need more GPU power than the fusion was designed to provide. An add on Graphics board would be best there. Phenom.I don't know. I just keep feeling that the Phenom architecture is a good one but was not designed for the 65nm process. It may perform better at 45nm and lower. Worth a try. Also AMD tends to squeeze a lot out a process once they get the handle of it. look at 90nm silicon, the venerable K8, even now 65nm. Phenom will be no different. Hopefully they will have enough time to get the product out of the gate. Good luck AMD. I am holding out for your 45nm chip on my next system.

tobago report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +2

Re: second gen called...?

Aug 04, 2008 18:16     

Bulldozer is the codename for the CPU core, Falcon is the CPU GPU combination.
Joseph Rodrigues report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

S-video??

Aug 04, 2008 19:55     

(Cypherdue) Why use S-video? I think most manufactures that use some sort of TV connection will opt for HDMI.
Yournotme report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

R800 GPU core

Aug 04, 2008 20:04     

@Cyperdude if the R800 is anything like the R700 GPU's then it it will have hundreds of processors in it, and will take up a significant ammount of room on a processor die, so maybe a dual GPU solution will come out in a X2 naming at a later date 2011?
Randon report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Stupid idea..

Aug 04, 2008 20:07     

Personally, I still think this is a _retarded_ that will only hurt AMD in the long run. Who wants to pay for a new cpu every time they upgrade their gpu? The only space where something like this will do well is the embedded market. In the desktop market, anyone with a clue will avoid this like the plague.
random report abuse vote down vote up Votes: -4

Let the dumb guy answer

Aug 04, 2008 22:15     

I maybe a very stupid person but I think I get the gist. Phenoms are either tri-core or quadcores right. So when they say dual core I assume they mean 2 quad cores cpu's like Intel's Core 2 Duo quad cores.
Parksid701 report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Only one gpu core because of heat...

Aug 05, 2008 00:55     

I'd wager that trying to put two gpu cores in a single cpu socket would be a difficult thing to cool... Thus why no dual-gpu solution from either nVidia nor AMD has had both cores in close proximity.
Ed report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Shrike?!

Aug 05, 2008 01:37     

I wonder if with the Shrike, we will get Farcasters as well!
Mark report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Bulldozer and Falcon correct

Aug 05, 2008 03:15     

The CPU part of the chip is called "Bulldozer" The entire chip (CPU GPU) is called Flacon.
Sam report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

RE: Not certain where first post ended...

Aug 05, 2008 03:21     

I have already replied to this thread, but sadly, original comment was never published. Nevcermind ;) RE: Gan Xodos - Bulldozer is the name for next-generation CPU architecture for AMD. It is successor of K10 (Barcelona/Agena) and K10.5 (Shanghai/Deneb). Products based on Bulldozer architecture bear different codenames, just like products based on K10 core have different codenames. To make the matters simple: Fusion family of CPUs Falcon = Bulldozer cores plus ATI GPU core - 2010 Shrike = K10.5 core plus ATI GPU core - 2009 RE: velo - Yes, Fusion will use new CPU socket, more known as the Socket FM1 and FS1. These are mobile/desktop packages, and will differ to condone to form factor rules. RE: Cypherdude - Because that is not the point. The point is to enhance the speed of integrated graphics up to usable point, which is something we can debate on until tomorrow.

Theo@TG Daily report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

i dont think you understand....

Aug 05, 2008 06:40     

@Cypherdud I dont think you understand the concept of a CPU GPU. it doesnt work the same way as a quad core cpu or gpu currently works. a single core on die GPU can be equal in speed if not outperform a quadcore GPU for the simple fact that it shares the same die as the CPU. you have direct memory streaming, sharing of bandwitdh on the same die, sharing of cache etc, nothing has to travel through the mainboard from cpu to gpu and back, everything is instant. therefore you cannot compare it to the current GPU's and say "why dont they make a quad core GPU" etc .. it doesnt work that way. granted the first fusion and larrebee chips will probly not be very fast or potent being first generation, but it will open a whole new world for technology to develop apon and eventualy GPU CPU chips will replace graphics cards as we know them.

amaedict report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +4

bandwith and games

Aug 05, 2008 09:39     

I wonder what options will be available with a better bandwidth between cpu and gpu. It should allow for many more options for games w/o discreet graphic as the gpu and cpu connection should be very fast with fusion, also this should make for several more options on the gpu side as a several gpu configuation should be will be much faster than sli/crossfire.
Advakit report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +3

@velo, newer (50's) Phenoms can't run on regular AM2 boards

Aug 05, 2008 09:49     

newer (50's) Phenom puts off too much heat, so you do need AM2plus to run Phenom the fusion we will likely get in another 2-3 years at least so don't buy anything and expect to be able to upgrade.
coldmast report abuse vote down vote up Votes: -1

Maybe i'm a little off my rocker

Aug 25, 2008 11:48     

Maybe Im over speculating, but aren't GPUs more than just graphical processing units? They offer more parallel computing and it's why it's faster at graphical computations. This would also allow offloading of the physics engine onto the CPU/GPU more effectively since Havok's engine works off the CPU, which is crap performance compared to nVidia's. But having a GPU native on the CPU offers database intensive systems more speed and power. The CPU as we know it needs to change, simply adding more cores beyond 4 is almost pointless. Show me programs that use more than 4 cores. If programmers are able to utilize the benefits of a stream processor in conjunction with a general purpose CPU then I think we'll see a bright future.

Sigma Projects report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0