AMD (NYSE: AMD) announced today broad software developer support for its upcoming four-core, multi-socket enthusiast platform, codenamed 4x4. Leading software developers including Bioware, Cakewalk, Crytek, Havok, Irrational Games, Midway, NERO and Sony have been working on software applications and games to take advantage of multi-core processors and benefit from AMD’s Direct Connect Architecture.
“We’re looking at a decidedly multi-core processor, multi-threaded application future for the PC industry,” said Bob Brewer, corporate vice president, Desktop Business, AMD. “AMD has planned this enthusiast platform so that software developers can design outstanding multi-threaded applications for consumers who demand the very best immersive computing experience.”
Multi-threaded games are among the first applications to see immediate advantages from using multi-socket, multi-threaded architectures like the upcoming 4x4 enthusiast platform and make exceptional demonstrations for new PC technologies.
“With Crysis, our flagship title, we are pushing the boundaries of game-physics, intelligent combat AI, cinematic visuals,” said Cevat Yerli, President and CEO, Crytek. “Crysis will be an experience culminated in next-generation hardware when utilized with a multi-core system like AMD’s highly anticipated 4x4 enthusiast platform.”
While games tend to dominate the headlines when talking about powerful, new enthusiast driven products, the introduction of a desktop multi-socket platform should also provide digital media developers and clients a feature rich solution to fit their needs.
"AMD's combination of HyperTransportTM technology and an integrated memory controller gives us the bandwidth we need to see impressive performance scaling on multi-core systems," said Curtis Palmer, senior vice president, chief technologist, Sony Media Software. "Because of Direct Connect Architecture, an AMD 4-core, multi-socket solution should help Sony Vegas 6 users edit high definition video with unparalleled responsiveness and use effects that would have been unthinkable on earlier hardware."
With an abundance of multi-core applications and games under development, developers are seeking technology that helps craft their visions, unbound by the limits of legacy hardware capabilities. The planned AMD enthusiast architecture would help developers bring the limits of imagination to reality: massive symmetric multi-processing, extreme multi-tasking, AI, jaw-dropping game play, enhanced physics, immersive 3D and cinematic visuals.
AMD’s upcoming four-core, multi-socket platform is based on AMD’s Direct Connect Architecture, which is the next iteration of the enthusiast platform for AMD Athlon™ 64 FX dual-core processors.
About AMD
Advanced Micro Devices (NYSE: AMD) is a leading global provider of innovative microprocessor solutions for computing, communications and consumer electronics markets. Founded in 1969, AMD is dedicated to delivering superior computing solutions based on customer needs that empower users worldwide. For more information visit www.amd.com.
