"Fusion" CPU/GPU Unified Architecture

AMD has recently completed the acquisition of ATI and to mark this event, the Americans announced the development of a new CPU/GPU unified architecture that integrates both CPU and graphics processor into a single unit. The upcoming unified processor is momentarily codenamed "Fusion" and it is expected to be released sometime in 2008-2009.

"Fusion" will be integrated into all AMD product categories - laptops, desktops, workstations, servers and consumer electronics. AMD claims that the new hybrid processor will include PCI Express support and this may mean that the integrated GPU won't be quite high end at all; it could be that the graphics solution will target value consumers. From this perspective, the upcoming AMD hybrid resembles Intel's own Timna unified processor, which was canceled for unknown reasons. For now, AMD did not say anything about any rebranding of its products; Athlon and Opteron have been around for some time now and it is said that the brand names won't be changed too soon.

Here's what AMD spokesmen had to say about the new architecture:
AMD intends to design Fusion processors to provide step-function increases in performance-per-watt relative to today's CPU-only architectures, and to provide the best customer experience in a world increasingly reliant upon 3D graphics, digital media and high-performance computing. With Fusion processors, AMD will continue to promote an open platform and encourage companies throughout the ecosystem to create innovative new co-processing solutions aimed at further optimizing specific workloads. AMD-powered Fusion platforms will continue to fully support high-end discrete graphics, physics accelerators, and other PCI Express-based solutions to meet the ever-increasing needs of the most demanding enthusiast end-users.

AMD and ATI expect to deliver integrated platforms as soon as 2007. This means that users will benefit from improved battery life for the next generation Turion platform and considerable enhancements with AMD Live! Systems. Nvidia's chipset business seems to be threatened as it currently relies on AMD chipset sales.