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Jon Stokes-January 20, 2011 at 12:50 PM UTC
On Wednesday, AMD launched the G series platform for embedded systems, code-named eBrazos. When referring to the G-series as "embedded" components, AMD uses the term in the same way as Intel: designating systems outside the scope of the traditional PC market. (Examples include point-of-sale terminals, slot machines, kiosk systems, digital signage, industrial controls, etc.)
eBrazos is quite powerful for such applications, and given AMD's low price, it can help the company compete with Intel in this market.
The core of eBrazos is AMD's two "Lynx" cores, paired with DirectX11-level GPUs on the same chip. Lynx is out-of-order design, which makes it have higher performance and higher power than Intel's Atom. But for many applications that AMD aims to design, Atom’s low power consumption advantage may not be important, especially if AMD’s solution can keep the total bill of materials cost low. eBrazos GPU has a video decoder that can decode H.264, VC1 and DivX/Xvid formats with hardware acceleration. The chip also has a pair of digital display outputs that can be externally configured as HDMI, DVI, or display ports.
Microsoft used the previous-generation chipset in its new Surface products displayed at CES in the past. This is a very important design victory for AMD, not because the Surface is bulky, but because it is a relatively performance-intensive and compelling application. AMD also touted design wins from a list of companies that included Fujitsu, Wyse, and some less familiar names.
By the way, given that 9W and 18W versions of the chipset (CPU/GPU plus controller hub chip) are available, the G series may be more suitable for MacBook Air than the old Intel hardware currently in use. It will definitely be better than the current Mac mini. However, don't hold your breath for Apple's choice of AMD-don't consider the prospect of Sandy Bridge upgrades later this year.
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