AMD Future Processor Development and Codenames, Sound Wave

Published by

teaser
AMD is reportedly developing a new mobile processor or desktop APU, internally named Sound Wave, intended to succeed the Strix Point series. AMD often uses unique codenames for its projects to track the source of any leaks, so the "Sound Wave" name may change in the future.

The upcoming "Strix Point" and "Strix Halo" processors, built on a 4nm process, are expected to utilize AMD's "Zen 5" CPU architecture and RDNA 3+ graphics architecture, along with an XDNA 2 based Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for enhanced AI performance. "Sound Wave" is rumored to be similar to "Strix Point," featuring the "Zen 6" CPU architecture and targeting a 2025-26 release. This progression suggests a move from 7nm to 5nm, and eventually to 3nm technologies.

The identification of Strix A0 and B0, speculated to relate to Strix Halo and Strix Point, remains uncertain, with Sarlak possibly linked to Strix Halo. The shift from 7nm to 4nm in Strix and Kraken APUs indicates significant technological advancement, though the accuracy of this information is debated. There's speculation that all these products may include Zen 5 and RDNA 3.5 architectures. Discussions about the 3nm process, particularly from a Korean tech blog, mention TSMC's last FinFET-based node (N3) before moving to nanosheet technology with the N2 node. AMD might choose an advanced 3nm variant, like N3P or N3X, in response to Intel's expected 20A node release.

Details on "Sound Wave's" architecture beyond "Zen 6" CPU cores are limited, with speculation about a chiplet design. However, leaked references to Strix and Sarlak suggest they may not be the same product. Additionally, the GPU specifications vary significantly between monolithic and chiplet-based Strix GPUs, indicating a complex relationship between these products that extends beyond simple chip configuration adjustments.


78jh

Sources: Gamma0burstWccftech

Share this content
Twitter Facebook Reddit WhatsApp Email Print