Intel squeezed an AMD graphics chip, RAM and CPU into one module
the new processor integrates a "semi-custom" AMD graphics chip and the second generation of Intel's "High Bandwidth Memory (HBM2)", which is comparable to GDDR5 in a traditional laptop.
Summary of Intel's news:
The new product, which will be part of our 8th Gen Intel Core family, brings together our high-performing Intel Core H-series processor, second generation High Bandwidth Memory (HBM2) and a custom-to-Intel third-party discrete graphics chip from AMD's Radeon Technologies Group* – all in a single processor package.
[...] At the heart of this new design is EMIB (Embedded Multi-Die Interconnect Bridge), a small intelligent bridge that allows heterogeneous silicon to quickly pass information in extremely close proximity. EMIB eliminates height impact as well as manufacturing and design complexities, enabling faster, more powerful and more efficient products in smaller sizes. This is the first consumer product that takes advantage of EMIB.
[...] Additionally, this solution is the first mobile PC to use HBM2, which consumes much less power and takes up less space compared to traditional discrete graphics-based designs using dedicated graphics memory, like GDDR5 memory.
takyon: This is more like an "integrated discrete GPU" than standard integrated graphics. It also avoids the need for Intel to license AMD's IP. AMD also needs to make a lot of parts since its wafer supply agreement with GlobalFoundries penalizes AMD if they buy less than a target number of wafers each year.
Also at AnandTech and Ars Technica.
Previously: AMD Stock Surges on Report of Intel Graphics Licensing Deal, 16-Core Ryzen Confirmed
Related: Samsung Increases Production of 8 GB High Bandwidth Memory 2.0 Stacks
(Score: 2) by MichaelDavidCrawford on Tuesday November 07 2017, @05:17AM (4 children)
... when I got paid, but instead I'll wait until Apple ships a model with this chip in it.
Right around that same time, Intel will announce an even better chip.
When carried to its logical conclusion, this corollary to Zeno's Paradox results in my new MacBook Pro being unobtainable.
While I have a Mac mini - which I truly enjoy, Linux will never be ready for the desktop while windows is like pounding nails with my fists - I need two Macs to develop drivers, as that's what the two-machine debugger requires.
Yes I Have No Bananas. [gofundme.com]
(Score: 3, Insightful) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday November 07 2017, @09:04AM (2 children)
For me, Linux is already ready for the desktop (I'm using it on all my computers since 2000).
(Score: 3, Interesting) by stormreaver on Tuesday November 07 2017, @01:56PM
I started using Linux as my exclusive desktop system in 1999. Windows has never been ready for the desktop. It was forced onto everybody for so long, though, that people just learned how to shoehorn it into doing the job.
I have transitioned a number of non-technical people to Kubuntu over the years, and all but one refused to return to Windows.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday November 07 2017, @07:36PM
What's nice about this announcement is its timing. I think this article will work on the Intel CPU:
http://schd.ws/hosted_files/ossna2017/91/Linuxcon%202017%20NERF.pdf [schd.ws]
Get rid of most of UEFI, rewrite the firmware on the motherboard. If that doesn't keep out the spooks/whoever, I'd plan on disabling the onboard ethernet and add an ethernet card of a different type so the driver in firmware is useless. Which leaves me with one question: will the graphics chip have an open-source driver for linux?
(Score: 1) by xhedit on Tuesday November 07 2017, @01:03PM
Linux is great on the desktop if you aren't a washed up hack.