Intel is already there and has launched its first processors with integrated graphics circuits. AMD is preparing the launch of its renowned Fusion architecture, which has been known for many years, but according to AMD finally we’re coming close to the launch. AMD was reluctant to share any details on the performance of Fusion or the launch date, but during talks with the company during the press event in London last week we did manage to get some exciting information on AMD’s Fusion concept.
Intel saved bits of face with the Clarkdale architecture and the Intel HD Graphics GPU on the graphics circuit market. Performance was considerably better than Intel’s older integrated GPUs but even if High Definition video is no problem the 3D performance left much to be wanted.
When we asked AMD what we should expect from the Fusion architecture the answer was short and concise;
“You won’t be disappointed”
We can only interpret this as Fusion sporting something more powerful than Intel’s has to offer. This would be the minimum to not disappoint us, and if we are to raise the bar further we can only hope that Fusion will sport the most powerful integrated graphics circuit we have encountered.
AMD gained a lot of experience in graphics circuit development with the acquisition of ATI and Fusion will be the first real proof of what the company can do when they join forces. We sincerely hope that this will mean 3D performance that will be enough to play modern games at fairly decent settings. At the same time we have to explain what Fusion won’t become.
AMD will not launch a processor whose integrated GPU would threaten the sales of its discrete graphics cards. It has revised the balance of Fusion carefully where graphics performance, power consumption and cost have been the top priorities.
AMD pointed out, over and over, that Fusion is within reach and even though we shouldn’t expect a processor with revolutionizing GPU performance we at least hope to see a solution that raise the bar for integrated solution, if not one step but several.
