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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.
Intel CPU and AMD GPU, together at last
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: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday November 07 2017, @09:08AM (10 children)
So Intel effectively admits that its own graphics is worse than AMD's?
BTW, the "Slow Down Cowboy" message should be placed somewhere where you actually can see it not only by accident.
(Score: 4, Interesting) by TheRaven on Tuesday November 07 2017, @10:45AM (7 children)
sudo mod me up
(Score: 2) by Spamalope on Tuesday November 07 2017, @11:12AM (4 children)
The chips may be destined to a market AMD doesn't have any penetration into so it won't cannibalize sales.
On the other hand, perhaps they're hoping Intel won't invest as heavily in their own solutions and that the product will be very successful. A few generations later AMD would be in a much better negotiating position. (aka, use this to cut off the air supply for any other cheap embedded solutions)
(Score: 2) by tonyPick on Tuesday November 07 2017, @11:18AM (3 children)
Be interesting to see how it stacks against Ryzen Mobile though - this looks like a fairly direct competitor there.
https://www.amd.com/en/products/ryzen-processors-laptop [amd.com]
(Score: 4, Interesting) by TheRaven on Tuesday November 07 2017, @05:04PM (2 children)
sudo mod me up
(Score: 3, Informative) by takyon on Tuesday November 07 2017, @11:48PM (1 child)
DDR4 [slickdeals.net] vs. LPDDR4 [slickdeals.net]
LPDDR4 in a laptop seems like a goddamn unicorn to me. So it clearly does not matter.
[SIG] 10/28/2017: Soylent Upgrade v14 [soylentnews.org]
(Score: 3, Informative) by TheRaven on Wednesday November 08 2017, @10:14AM
sudo mod me up
(Score: 2) by richtopia on Tuesday November 07 2017, @04:33PM (1 child)
The Anandtech article speculates that these chips will still have the Intel graphics on-die for low power applications. Intel has never sold their GPU independent of a mobo or CPU, so they realize that they have a niche. But they do dominate that low power space. In addition, Intel can leverage these cores for non-display applications such as video encoding (Intel Quick Sync Video) or allowing an additional monitor to be attached.
It will be interesting if AMD ever brings something to this market segment (mobile 45W CPU with graphics) and how it would compete on low power applications. However I suspect AMD's marketing team realizes they can only compete with Intel directly in certain segments, and I doubt high performance mobile will be one of them.
(Score: 2) by takyon on Tuesday November 07 2017, @11:50PM
The A6-3400M [notebookcheck.net] chip I use is a 35 W TDP chip. AMD is releasing 15 W first for Raven Ridge but I would be shocked if they did not put out something near 30-35 W later. Not sure about 45 W.
[SIG] 10/28/2017: Soylent Upgrade v14 [soylentnews.org]
(Score: 2) by Wootery on Tuesday November 07 2017, @11:14AM (1 child)
Well, sure. Intel is doing pretty well considering where they used to be (awful embedded graphics), but they're not seriously competing with the big boys.
(Score: 2) by bob_super on Tuesday November 07 2017, @05:42PM
Just when Intel Graphics were getting "good enough" for HD, the industry moved to 4K...
Got some catching up to do (in performance, since they still have the lead in volume), and in the meantime propping up AMD a bit keeps the regulators (not the US obviously, but the ROW) at bay while not making an impact on the bottom line.