Exciting Upcoming Releases: AMD's 2020 Product Roadmap Revealed!

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. AMD's CPU Roadmap 2.1. Zen+ - The Refinement of Zen 2.2. Zen 2 - The New Microarchitecture 2.3. Zen 3 - Refining the 7nm Process
3. AMD's GPU Roadmap 3.1. Vega - Shrinking to 7nm 3.2. Navi - The Successor to Vega 3.3. Next-Gen 7nm+ GPU
4. 2018 Product Releases 4.1. Ryzen Desktop APUs 4.2. Second Gen Ryzen CPUs 4.3. Radeon Vega Mobile
5. Conclusion
6. FAQ

The Future of AMD Processors and Graphics Cards

In recent years, AMD has made significant strides in the CPU and GPU markets, challenging Intel and Nvidia with their innovative products. At CES 2018, AMD unveiled their exciting roadmap for the coming years, showcasing their commitment to pushing the boundaries of high-performance computing. In this article, we will explore the future of AMD processors and graphics cards, and how these advancements will impact the industry.

AMD's CPU Roadmap

Zen+ - The Refinement of Zen

The journey began in 2017, with the launch of Ryzen, AMD's first Zen-based CPU. It received widespread acclaim for its impressive performance and competitive pricing. In 2018, AMD plans to release Zen+, the refinement of the original Zen microarchitecture. This new iteration will feature a reduction in process size from 14nm to 12nm, potentially leading to improved efficiency and overclocking capabilities. Zen+ will be the foundation for the Ryzen 2 family of CPUs for desktop, set to launch in April 2018.

Zen 2 - The New Microarchitecture

Looking ahead to 2019, AMD has big plans for Zen 2, the next microarchitecture in their CPU roadmap. Zen 2 will introduce a significant change by moving to a 7nm manufacturing process. This shrink in process size will not only make the chips smaller, but also improve power efficiency. AMD proudly stated that their design for Zen 2 is complete, and they are poised to outperform Intel's 10nm process. The release of Zen 2 CPUs is expected in 2019.

Zen 3 - Refining the 7nm Process

Continuing the trend of innovation, AMD is already looking beyond Zen 2 to Zen 3, Slated for release in 2020. This iteration will refine the 7nm manufacturing process introduced in Zen 2. With Zen 3, AMD aims to further optimize performance and power efficiency, solidifying its position as a leader in the CPU market. The future looks promising for AMD as they push the boundaries of microarchitecture development.

AMD's GPU Roadmap

Vega - Shrinking to 7nm

In 2017, AMD introduced the Vega GPU architecture, which found success in the Radeon RX Vega series. Building on this foundation, AMD plans to further improve Vega by reducing the manufacturing process to 7nm, using Global Foundries as their manufacturing partner. While specific details are scarce, AMD expressed confidence in the potential yields of this process. Shrinking Vega to 7nm will likely result in improved performance and power efficiency.

Navi - The Successor to Vega

Looking ahead to 2019, AMD has plans for Navi, the successor to the Vega architecture. While details are currently limited, Navi is expected to bring further advancements in GPU technology. As AMD continues to expand the reach of Vega, aiming for integration in gaming consoles and other products, Navi will build upon this foundation and deliver even more impressive performance, taking advantage of the 7nm manufacturing process.

Next-Gen 7nm+ GPU

Beyond Navi, AMD has revealed plans for a next-generation 7nm+ GPU architecture, slated for release in 2020. Although specifics are scarce, AMD has expressed their commitment to bringing exciting new features and performance enhancements to the market. As the competition between AMD and Nvidia heats up, consumers can anticipate groundbreaking developments in GPU technology.

2018 Product Releases

AMD's product roadmap for 2018 is equally impressive, featuring a range of exciting releases for both CPUs and GPUs.

Ryzen Desktop APUs

One of the most anticipated releases is the Ryzen Desktop APUs, set to launch in February 2018. These APUs combine the power of Ryzen CPUs with integrated Vega graphics, offering an affordable solution for entry-level gaming and everyday computing. With options like the R5 2400G and the budget-friendly R3 2200G, users can expect impressive performance at an affordable price point.

Second Gen Ryzen CPUs

Building upon the success of the original Ryzen CPUs, AMD is set to release the Second generation of Ryzen processors in April 2018. The new CPUs will feature higher clock speeds, thanks to Precision Boost 2.0 and XFR (eXtended Frequency Range) 2.0 technologies. With improved process technology, these CPUs can achieve higher sustained clock speeds while consuming less power, leading to enhanced performance and efficiency.

Radeon Vega Mobile

For laptop users, AMD has introduced Radeon Vega Mobile GPUs. These GPUs are highly efficient and capable of delivering excellent gaming performance in thin and light laptops. With reduced power draw and improved cooling solutions, gamers can enjoy a smooth experience without sacrificing portability. In addition to Radeon Vega Mobile, AMD has also announced a 7nm Vega product targeted at machine learning applications.

Conclusion

AMD's roadmap for the future showcases their commitment to innovation and pushing the boundaries of high-performance computing. With advancements planned for both CPUs and GPUs, AMD aims to challenge industry leaders and provide users with powerful, efficient, and affordable solutions. From Zen+ to Zen 3, and from Vega to Navi, the future looks bright for AMD and its loyal fan base.

FAQ

Q: Are the upcoming Zen+ CPUs compatible with existing AM4 motherboards?

A: Yes, AMD has confirmed that Zen+ CPUs will be compatible with existing AM4 motherboards with 300 series chipsets, such as B350 and X370. However, there will also be new motherboards with 400 series chipsets, offering potential improvements optimized for second-gen Ryzen.

Q: Will there be any performance benefits to using the newer 400 series motherboards with Zen+ CPUs?

A: While not fully known, AMD has indicated that there might be some performance and power optimizations when using the newer 400 series motherboards with second-gen Ryzen CPUs. The exact details of these improvements have not been disclosed yet.

Q: Will the original Zen CPUs see a price drop with the release of Zen+?

A: Yes, AMD has already initiated price drops for first-gen Ryzen CPUs, making them more affordable for consumers. Retailers such as Amazon and Newegg are offering significant discounts on various Ryzen models, making it an excellent time to invest in AMD's first-gen processors.

Q: Can the Ryzen Desktop APUs be used for gaming?

A: Yes, the Ryzen Desktop APUs, such as the R5 2400G, offer an outstanding entry-level gaming experience. Paired with a compatible monitor that supports FreeSync, users can enjoy smooth gameplay without the need for a dedicated graphics card.