AMD today launched its 9-series chipset for desktop platforms. The company also unveiled its 2011 HD Tablet Platform, based on the AMD Z-Series Accelerated Processing Unit (APU), optimized for Microsoft Windows-based tablets.
AMD's 9-series chipset is a key component of AMD's next generation "Scorpius" desktop platform, which will also feature the 8-core "Zambezi" processor and AMD Radeon HD6000 series discrete graphics cards. The 8-core Zambezi processor is based on AMD's Bulldozer core and expected to be shipping in August, according to Rick Bergman, senior vice president and general manager of AMD's products group.
The 9-series chipsets are the first to support the AMD AM3+ socket processors, while incorporating AM3 socket backwards compatibility. These boards enable fast performance with support for AMD CrossFireX technology, which allows up to four AMD Radeon GPUs to co-process. In addition, these chipsets support clock rate management through AMD OverDrive software.
Additionally, the 9-series chipset line-up features up to six SATA 3.0 6Gbps hard drive interface ports, Gigabit Ethernet, HyperTransport 3.0 technology, and PCI Express Generation 2.0.
The 9-series line of chipsets will be available from a variety of device manufacturers, including ASRock, ASUS, Biostar, ECS, Foxconn Technology GIGABYTE Technology, Jetway and MSI.
Windows Tablets get AMD Graphics Boost
By 2015, Gartner expects the tablet market to exceed $200 million and, as the market matures, AMD will continue to expand its APU options, providing discrete-level graphics on die for tablet computers and other mobile form factors. In addition to its deep integration with operating systems like Windows, the AMD 2011 HD Tablet Platform offers support for HTML 5, Adobe Flash 10.2 and external monitors, enabling graphics for gaming, streaming video and other entertainment. It also offers enterprise-level security, allowing IT policy makers to offer the convenience of tablets to an increasingly mobile workforce.
In a surprise move, Bergman also held up a Trinity APU, which he said was AMD's next-generation APU expected to be available in 2012.
As we have previously reported, the AMD Fusion family of APUs include the G series for the embedded market, the C and Z series for netbooks and tablets, the E series for ultra-mobile notebooks and the A series for notebooks, All-in-ones and desktops.
AMD presented the presented a dual-core Z-series APU clocked at 1GHz,with 1MB L2 cache and a TDP of 5.9W. The APu is also featuring a Radeon GPU with 80SPs clocked at 276MHz.
VISION Technology from AMD
VISION Technology aligns closely to the evolving PC purchasing process by minimizing the use of technical jargon and specifications to help consumers choose the best PC for their needs. To ensure customer clarity on offerings when choosing the right PC, AMD has moved to a new numbered tier system. Notebooks and desktops powered by the latest AMD Fusion APUs align with the following experiences:
- VISION A8 Series PCs will enable "Brilliant HD Performance," for extreme multi-tasking, online gaming and video editing.
- VISION A6 Series PCs will enable "Brilliant HD Entertainment," for advanced multi-tasking, photo editing and HD video playback.
- VISION A4 Series PCs will enable "Brilliant HD Every day," perfect for Web browsing, basic multi-tasking and staying in touch with family and friends.
- VISION E2 Series PCs will enable Smart HD with smooth 1080p HD video playback with the AMD Video Accelerator.
- AMD HD Internet Series will enable vivid, on-the-go computing experiences on mobile devices like ultrathins and netbooks.
AMD also introduced a new identity for VISION to align with the new tiers. This new identity specifies graphics and core features of notebooks and desktops based on the AMD Fusion Family of APUs for consumers seeking more technical specifications.
