Wednesday, December 7th 2016
Intel Could License AMD Radeon iGPU Tech for Future Processors
Intel and AMD's cross-licensing arrangements could get more equitable in the future, with reports hinting at the possibility of Intel licensing AMD Radeon intellectual property to be used as Intel processors' integrated GPUs. Rumors of such a deal were first reported by HardOCP this Spring, where it stated that the two companies were negotiating a licensing agreement. Earlier this week, HardOCP editor Kyle Bennett commented on the site's forums that a licensing agreement has been reached between the two, even though Intel does not want this to be public.
Such an agreement could see AMD sharing designs of its Radeon integrated graphics processors with Intel, which will integrate it into its processor designs, and manufacture them. Whether the amalgamated graphics solution will continue to be branded "AMD Radeon" or whether it will be marketed under the Intel graphics brands, remains to be seen.
Sources:
OC3D, HardOCP
Such an agreement could see AMD sharing designs of its Radeon integrated graphics processors with Intel, which will integrate it into its processor designs, and manufacture them. Whether the amalgamated graphics solution will continue to be branded "AMD Radeon" or whether it will be marketed under the Intel graphics brands, remains to be seen.
38 Comments on Intel Could License AMD Radeon iGPU Tech for Future Processors
The lead nVidia currently has in GPGPU/Compute/CUDA etc space could quickly go out the window. AMD has been working hard to push back with GPU Open/OpenCL and corresponding software stacks. The consoles, plus future APU's and future Intel chips would give them something close to like 90% of the market share essentially overnight.
This could also do wonders for AMD's CPU division and sales. If every Intel chip comes with an RTG iGPU it would give AMD a massive positive mind-share improvement with your average consumer.
Something tells me this is too good to be true and the fruits of this licensing deal isn't going to result in future Core I-Series chips having RTG/GCN designs baked in.
Imagine Kabylake with a better gfx performance than low level discrete. Imagine future Intel CPUS being able to compete with mid range RTG and Nvidia cards.
AMD wouldn't allow that. Likewise, Intel won't readily share IP that allows it's only chip competitor to actually take market share.
Whatever is going down it can only be for Intel's majority benefit. AMD will get cash flow and tidbits.
More likely it's a simple licence change from Nvidia to allow Intel to even work on iGPU. Starve Nvidia of some cash and give to AMD instead, keep both your competitors in your wake.
EDIT: What @the54thvoid said
Any GPU maker must have a patent license with either AMD or NV as they own a huge stack of graphics IP that no body can work without.
Intel is currently licensing these graphics IP's from NV, but maybe they're thinking of moving to AMD for different reasons, maybe cheaper and maybe better integration with the CPU part maybe both also.
It's interesting to see how competing technologies from both AMD & NV will take when Intel goes for AMD way... Thing like FreeSync (vs GSunc) will be interested thought Intel does not need to license it in the first place.
though what kyle been suggesting is something quite different. he said it is not a simply licensing it is more like intel want the entire RTG for themselves. means no more AMD radeon. but intel radeon instead.