AMD recently announced that the merge between them and ATI Technologies is complete and now everyone is wondering what will come out of this.

The answer is a CPU/GPU combo, in other words AMD plans to create a new class of x86 processor that integrates the central processing unit (CPU) and graphics processing unit (GPU) at the silicon level with a broad set of design initiatives collectively codenamed "Fusion" 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.

Fusion will support high-end discrete graphics and physics accelerators "to meet the ever-increasing needs of the most demanding enthusiast end-users" AMD said.

The CPU/GPU combo is expected come on the market in the in late 2008/early 2009 timeframe and as AMD said, will use the technology within all major computing segments, including mobile, desktop, workstation, server, consumer electronics as well as products for emerging markets. Further details were not provided, but it is obvious that AMD can play with several ideas, ranging from strategies that reduce the cost of today's CPU/GPU combinations to high performance platforms that leverage the floating point capabilities of graphics engines.

AMD believes that "modular processor designs leveraging both CPU and GPU compute capabilities will be essential in meeting the requirements of computing in 2008 and beyond".

written by Cristian M.