AMD Puma is the platform that will close the gap between AMD and Intel on the mobile market. It’s based on Griffin, which is a 65nm processor with an integrated northbridge, which in turn sports HTT3.0, more cache than today’s models and a DDR2 memory controller optimized for low power consumption. This is on top of the new power saving functions that will optimize the performance and prolong the battery time. The memory controller will also operate at a separate voltage (a feature we’re expecting with Barcelona as well) for optimal power consumption. AMD also says that the sleep problems available with laptops with integrated graphics circuits have been remedied and the new platform works better than expected.
The Puma platform is based on the AMD RS780 and SB700 chipsets. This combination brings an integrated DX10 circuit and hardware support for both Blu-ray and HD DVD, and digital interfaces in the form of DVI, HDMI and DisplayPort. The circuit can still be paired with an external GPU and can swap between these on-the-fly depending on your battery or external power, a feature AMD has dubbed PowerXpress. Anandtech has published a preview of the platform for those who want to know more.
