Integrated CPU/GPU... it had to be tried again, didnt it?
I cant see it being all that amazing, despite what people say. 'Oh goody', I hear, 'PROPER integrated graphics, about time!'.
Eh, no. Not really. Its not going to set the world alight, or even create that much smoke. Its an interecting concept, but do we REALLY need it? After all, current integrated systems work perfectly fine for the users who require one. This is my take on the whole shebang...
(Disclaimer: These points are my own, and arent based on anything other than my own thoughts and theories, which may be proven wrong at a later stage. If you feel the need to post derisory crap telling em I'm wrong, thats fine. Just remember, you're not actually doing anything constructive when you do so.)
1) Connectivity.
Pin density on CPUs is already getting rather crowded, and likewise on the GPU side of things. Now, while pin counts wont exactly double, HOW are you going to provide enough connections points without making the package size much bigger? From 30 seconds of thought, it'll be a similar package as current GPUs have. Which means these units will be soldered to the motherboard. Not good news for upgrades.
2) Die Size.
Ok, not as much of an issue as a lot of people might think. I guess the popular first image is of a CPU with a GPU on the same silicon. Yes, in a way it is. But it'll be tightly integrated with the CPU, in a way that will possibly see the two devices sharing circuitry. This sharing model will reduce overall heat production and power consumption. The downside will be a larger die needed to cope with the extra circuitry, and accordingly, less dies per wafer. This could potentially increase costs. Still, I have to concede that it would probably still be cheaper than a CPU and supporting external GPU/chipset.
3) Memory Control
Again, no so much of an issue, more a concern regarding control of the memory available to both parts. Will the IMC be responsible for allocating the memory for both the CPU and the GPU? Can it cope? Certainly, it will need a revision to allow for the fact that it now has to cope with roughly twice the workload, but this could very well be a good thing. After all, if the IMC is more efficient in its operation, it will benefit both devices. The downside is we're still using system RAM. But again, I guess for those people who will be using this setup, GFX performance is hardly a deciding factor.
4) Heat
I mentioned this back in #1, heat could be an issue for these combined units. Probably not as hot as a Prescott (or, say, the center of the sun, or a blast furnace), but its not going to be that much. I say this as ultimatly, I cant see this CPU/GPU approach being used for the higher end units, as that would be somewhat pointless. I'll wait and see what info we get regarding this before I decide any further.
I'm going to leave it there for a while, as I cant think of anything more right now. I'm interested to see what will come from this venture, as AMD is certainly in no position to release a product that cannot perform well and gain significant market share. If anyone has any valid and useful insights or information regarding this, please feel free to post.
If you intend to flame, I'll set ActionMan and StrageStranger on you. And if you continue, I might have to send BM, 9NM and Sharikou round to pay you a visit... you have been warned