AMD to Release New Line of A-Series Processors

During Computex (in Taiwan) AMDs CEO, Lisa Su, has just announced the new line of A-Series processors. Under the codename Summit Ridge the processor will provide users with first hand experience with the companys “Zen” architecture used in the core developments. The processor will precede the companys new AMD Radeon RX Series graphics card. Dr. Su stated, We entered 2016 with a great product lineup and growing momentum for AMD’s technologies. . . Our next-generation ‘Summit Ridge’ desktop processor powered by our ‘Zen’ core represent key proof points of our strategy to firmly re-establish AMD as a high-performance design leader.”

The 7^th generation A-Series APU will have up to eight cores and 16 threads which matches the cores of the current higher end AMD FX processors (AMD FX-8300, AMD FX-8320E, AMD FX-9590, etc..) and double the threads. Accelerated Processing Units (APU) developed by AMD are chips that serve multiple functions (functioning as a CPU and GPU accelerator). The purpose in focusing the CPU and GPU within the same die allows for faster data transfer and lowered energy usage. Therefore, an eight core APU will serve by utilizing four CPUs and four GPU accelerators which is why we find a growing number of cores.

AMD Summit Ridge will fit the new AM4 chip socket which will also support the AMDs future FX CPU series release (also utilizing new Zen core technology) to provide high end video game enthusiasts with AMDs Zen core experience. The Zen architecture of the cores is designed to provide a newly redesigned core, simultaneous multithreading (SMT), lower watt usage, approximately 40% improvement in instructions per cycle (IPC) in relation to current AMD cores, and energy efficient Fin Field Effect Transistor (FinFET).

The introduction of AMDs new technology along with the reputation of affordability and reliability brings the company back to a healthy market competition following the release of Intels new Broadwell-E processors.