"AMD today announced that it has completed the acquisition of graphics chip developer ATI. The company does not waste any time to make use of the acquired knowledge: In 2007, AMD will be upgrading its mobile platform and offer a Centrino-like platform as well as integrated solutions for commercial and media systems. And there will be a processor with built-in graphics.

Collectively code-named "Fusion," AMD indicated that it is developed more than just one CPU/GPU platform, which will provide "step-function increases in performance-per-watt relative to today's CPU-only architectures." AMD so far does not describe these modular chips as high-performance graphics solutions, but as solutions that provide the "best customer experience." 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."

In the past, AMD announced its Torrenza technology which can be simply described as an open-socket platform enabling third-party chip makers to communicate with the system at reduced latency and increased throughput. Now it looks to "Fusion" tech to provide integrated solutions for value segments of the market as well as providing compatibility to support discrete graphics and physics cards in a system. AMD has wasted no time trying to convince everyone in the 'ecosystem' to design chips that will help prove the viability of its new platforms and attack Intel and NVIDIA directly on the chipset and mobile computer fronts. Intel has always been the juggernaut in the semiconductor industry, so it doesn't have to worry as much as NVIDIA does, since a sizable portion of their chipsets have been sold with AMD platforms. What is really interesting is recent news regarding NVIDIA developing it's own x86 CPU that is reportedly already underway with a 45nm CPU+GPU design set for release in 2008. Could we really see Intel vs. AMD vs. NVIDIA in the future? Perhaps all three would someday be ripping at each others throats for the value, mainstream, and enthusiast markets. We hope so, as increased competition can lead to serious price cuts, as the AMD & Intel price war has shown thus far.

TG Daily