Articles tagged with Amd

For years AMD (and before it ATI) has been happy to exist only in the mainstream professional graphics market, but now the company has taken the fight to Nvidia at the ultra high-end with the unveiling of three new technologies today. A new ultra high-end graphics card, professional support for its Crossfire multi-card technology and a new framelock solution for powerwalls were all announced, just in advance of SIGGRAPH.

First off AMD has unveiled a new 2GB graphics card, the FirePro V8750 ($1,800). Bigger (bandwidth), better (performance) and faster (memory) is the general marketing message, but the most significant benefits are only likely to be experienced in certain high-end applications running on high resolution displays. AMD quotes Siemens PLM NX and Autodesk 3ds Max as key examples.

As with previous ATI FirePro cards, the V8750 features native multi-card support so users can drive four displays by adding a second card in the same workstation. However, the big news for this release is this multi-card capability has been extended so all the processing power can be diverted to a single modeling window. The technology that makes this possible is called ATI CrossFire Pro and while similar ‘Crossfire’ technology has been available on AMD’s consumer boards for a while, this is the first time it has been made available in the professional sector. Of course, Nvidia was first to market some years ago with this type of multi-card technology and as with its Quadro SLI offering, ATI CrossFire Pro is unlikely to bring significant benefits to the majority of CAD applications, particularly for those where the CPU is the bottleneck. However, AMD claims a significant performance boost in certain CAD and DCC applications including NX, Ensight, Maya and Teamcenter.

ATI CrossFire Pro works by coupling two graphics cards together using an interconnect cable. Currently only available on the ATI FirePro V8750, support is planned for the company’s mid-range and above graphics cards including the ATI FirePro V5700, V7750, and V8700. When this happens it will be interesting to see how two mid-range V5700s stack up against a high-end V8750, for example, particularly as the V5700s will be the more cost effective solution.

While speed increases are a given for any new professional graphics technology, it’s the addition of the new ATI FirePro S400 Synchronisation Module ($799) that really takes AMD into uncharted territory. This turns the high-end ATI FirePro V8750 graphics card into a niche solution capable of driving powerwalls from multiple projectors.

Up to four graphics cards can be used in tandem to produce a single seamless ‘virtual canvas’ on which high resolution digital mockup and design review applications can be displayed. With this solution each card has it own workstation and projector with individual images stitched together using framelock, a technology which synchronises the display output of the graphics cards. This capability was originally brought to market by 3Dlabs through its Wildcat cards and more recently with Nvidia’s high end Quadro FX cards. However, according to AMD other synchronisation modules only support two graphics cards at a time.

It will certainly be very interesting to see what Nvidia has up it sleeves ready for announcement at SIGGRAPH, which is being held in New Orleans from the 3-7th August.

The next issue of DEVELOP3D is out for your enjoyment and we’ve got a wicked issue in store for you this month. Our cover story is about Marin Bikes and how they use Autodesk Inventor to develop their range of cycles. One thing struck us about this story, along with many others we run every month, is the passion behind the products, and the shear bloody enthusiasm people have for their job. As Jason Faircloth, Marin’s product manager and bike designer commented, “Working at Marin turns a hobby into an income producing job.”

Alongside the story, we’ve worked with the folks at Autodesk to give away a pretty sweet little deal. In return for some information and your thoughts on simulation and analysis, we’ll enter you into a competition to win the product on the cover – a pretty sweet Point Reyes Commuter bikes (worth a grand). If you haven’t registered for the magazine or PDF, visit here to reg up and enter. If you’ve already registered, then visit here and all you need do is enter the email address you registered with and enter the competition.*

Elsewhere we take a look at how Senz used SpaceClaim to help design a breakthrough product is a pretty static marketplace. How Hornby designs its Scalectrix cars based on real world data. Of course, no DEVELOP3D would be bunch of reviews for you. We take a look at what’s new in Solid Edge with Synchronous Technology 2.0, Inventor 2010, the new SpacePilot Pro, a bunch of new Graphics hardware from AMD and Nvidia.

I’m also delighted to announce the latest contributor to join the Team, Joe Moak from formlovesfunction.com who’s discussing assembly constraints design and how early decisions can influence manfacturability. Joe will be writing us his thoughts on a bi-monthly basis or more depending on how busy he is designing awesome stuff.

* Those inevitable Terms and conditions: This competition closes on 31st July 2009 and is only open to those over the age of 18. Entry into the competition and acceptance of the prize constitutes permission to use their name inside the magazine. The winners will be selected at random by X3DMedia Ltd. No purchase necessary. Only winners will be contacted personally.

HP’s AMD-based workstation, the xw9400, is to support six cores per CPU

#5: With all the hype surrounding HP’s new Xeon 5500-based Z Series workstations, I asked HP what this meant for its AMD-based workstations, specifically the xw9400. The response was that the xw9400 will still be able to differentiate itself from HP’s Intel-based machines as it will be able to support six cores per CPU later this this year.

This could be very interesting for those pushing the boundaries of CAE on the desktop, because despite the new Intel platform featuring a total of 16 cores by counting the 8 created with HyperThreading, most CAE applications can’t take advantge of this virtual core technology. As a result, the xw9400’s 12 cores will still be the maximum available from a mainstream workstation manufacturer.

#4: It’s been a frustrating few days for me. Not only because I had to leave sunny LA at the tail end of last week to return to wind and rain in London, but I got to see all manner of exciting technologies at HP’s global workstation event, which I’ve been unable to write about until now due to embargo restrictions.

One of these technologies is HP’s brand new workstation family, the Z Series (pronounced Zee Series by those the other side of the Atlantic). Comprising three models – the Z400, Z600 and Z800 – the new machines are something to get quite excited about. This is not just because of Intel’s new, incredibly powerful Xeon 5500 series processors, but because HP has completely re-thought the workstation and the way it can be serviced, upgraded and generally taken to bits.

To my mind, only Apple and Sun have delivered similar levels of serviceability offered by HP’s new Z series, which is completely tool-less in design. For its demonstrations, HP focussed on its top-end Z800 showing exactly how easy it is to service and maintain.

HP’s New Z800 workstation, can be taken to bits in minutes – and look, no wires!

The whole system relies on clearly marked green levers and clips to give users visual clues as to how to take things apart. HP has done this before but never to this level of simplicity. First of all there are no wires inside the machine! These are all routed behind the back of the motherboard – not only to make things easier, but not to interfere with the CFD-optimised airflow throughout the machine. Even the dongles used to power high-end graphics cards, such as the Quadro FX 5800, are routed behind the motherboard and neatly clipped away when not in use.

Everything in the system, from graphics cards to hard drives and even motherboard, feature innovative mechanisms for easy and tool-less removal. Components that rely on power, such as the power supply and memory fans, use blind mate connectors, which are funnel-shaped to guide the components into place.

The power supply itself has been completely redesigned, and runs the whole length of the chassis so it can take in cool air from the front of the machine and as a result generate less fan noise. User maintenance and diagnosis has also been improved and should the workstation develop a power problem the supply unit can be removed simply by pulling it out by its handle. Then plugging it into the mains will help the user verify the cause of the problem. If the supply is indeed faulty the green light on the side of the unit will not come on. HP will then ship out a replacement power supply which can be easily installed by the user.

In its quest for even quieter machines HP has also innovated in its cooling mechanisms. Specially designed injection moulded ducting means each CPU in a dual socket machine receives fresh air from the front of the workstation reducing the load and improving acoustics. Dedicated fans for each memory bank also run independently from each other to minimise noise.

For those craving even fewer decibels, a liquid cooling option will also be available this summer and new Intel solid state hard drives, which not only run quieter than traditional physical drives, but consume less power and produce less heat, will also be introduced soon. These will also increase performance for those that access a lot of data, frequently.

Power saving

HP made some bold statements about power, claiming that on average its new workstations consume 35% less power than similarly configured machines in its previous generation. In terms of power efficiency, all of its power supplies now surpass the 80plus initiative and are now 85% efficient. The redesigned 1,100W unit in the Z800 is even 89% efficient.

HP has also done a lot of work on power saving and a new hibernate mode called HP WattSaver reduces power consumption to 0.8W, compared to the 2.1W in its previous generation workstations.

In addition, HP claims that all HP workstations are to 90% recyclable by weight and the HP Z line is registered as Electronics Products Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) Gold, the highest rating available.

DesignWorks was instrumental in the development of the innovative new chassis for HP’s new Z Series workstation. Foam protoytpes pictured.

Industrial Design

HP engaged BMW DesignWorks as part of its industrial design team and to do the global customer research into what its customers want from workstations. In addition to the totally tool-less design to transform the way users re-configure systems, the Z600 and Z800 feature integrated handles making it easier to move them around on site. Also, because the workstations don’t have rubber feet, they can be slid around on carpets and tiled floors.

Styling was also high on the agenda and the ‘design language’ developed by DesignWorks expresses clean lines and premium materials. The grill that runs down the entire front of the Z600 and Z800 was made possible by incorporating a slot loading optical drive and brushed aluminium side panels also feature. Finally, with its injection moulded components, the machine also looks elegant from the inside, as opposed to the usual mess of wires and clips. It’s a welcome change from HP’s ‘xw’ chassis, which was getting a bit long in the tooth and while the Z Series has a refined look, it’s still no Mac Pro in terms of character.

Alec Bernstein, Senior Director, Strategy, Research & Strategic Partnering, DesignWorks USA, also explained how the Z800 applies a lot of the principles of green design. For example, minimizing the amount of screws and fasteners can have a huge impact on the environment as screws travel more than any product in the world as they are mined, manufactured and then shipped globally.

The Z family

HP’s new Z workstation series feature three models, the Z800, Z600 and Z400. The entire family is based around Intel’s new Xeon processor 5500 and 3500 series (codenamed Nehalem), which feature integrated memory controllers and Turbo Boost Technology.

The Z400 is a single socket machine taking the price/performance position in the range (though HP will continue to produce its Core 2 Duo-based xw4600 for those that want an even lower entry-point). The Z600 is a compact dual socket workstation, but for ultimate expandability the Z800 offers up to 192GB memory and 7.5TB of internal storage.

All workstations are armed with 1,333MHz DDR-3 memory and new professional graphics solutions have been introduced across the line. These include Nvidia’s Quadro FX380, FX580, FX1800, and FX3800, which join the established FX4800, and FX5800 in the high-end machines. The choice of AMD graphics cards has also been expanded over previous generation workstation families with the ATI FirePro V3700, V5700 and V7750 all offered as standard options.

Conclusion

With the introduction of the new Xeon 5500 Series, it’s an exciting time for workstations in general, because performance is about to go through the roof, particularly when users are multitasking or running multithreaded applications.

However, while this level of performance will be seen across new product introductions from all the major workstation vendors, what makes HP stand out from the crowd at this moment in time is its innovative approach to chassis design, which looks set to make the servicing of workstation an absolute breeze. Check back in the coming months where we plan to get our hands dirty with full reviews of the systems.

Dell officially unveiled its new range of workstation-class systems today with the launch of the Precision T3500, T5500 and T7500. Like all new workstations being announced this week, the new Precision family is based on Intel’s Xeon 5500 Series (Nehalem) architecture, which offers incredible power for multi-threaded applications; particularly those that take advantage of HyperThreading, such as 3ds Max and HyperShot.

Like most of the major workstation vendors, Dell has bypassed Intel’s Core i7 platform for its new Precisions, instead waiting for ECC (Error Correcting Code) memory for better accuracy, which is not supported on Core i7. The new Xeon platform also, uniquely, supports Direct Cache Access (DCA) which enables the cache of inactive cores to be accessed by those that are active.

Dell has expanded its range of graphics options with new cards from Nvidia including the Quadro FX 580, FX 1800 and FX 3800, but has also increased the number of AMD ATI FirePro cards it carries in the range with standard options available on the FirePro V3750, V5700 and V8700. Up to two Quadro FX4800 and FX5800 are available in the high-end T7500.

Acoustics has been a major design concentration for the new Precisions with low duty fans aiding the CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) designed airflow. Dell has also done a lot of research into ‘what if’ scenarios, modelling what would happen if one vent was blocked off, for example.

In terms of machine positioning, the single socket T3500 will take up the entry-level role, but Dell will continue to offer the Core 2 Duo-based T3400 for those on incredibly tight budgets. The mid-range T5500 is a particularly interesting machine, specifically because Dell has managed to pack so much technology into such as small chassis. Dell gave DEVELOP3D a sneak preview of the machine and we were astounded by the engineering that has gone into this, with the second processor and memory located at 90 degrees to the motherboard on a riser card. With such a small footprint, however, the T5500 is fairly limited in its expandability and this is where the T7500 fits in with capacity for up 192GB RAM and a ridiculous amount of hard drives. It also includes an on-board SAS controller.

While the new systems will ship with Windows Vista by default, Dell will continue to offer Windows XP downgrades (with XP recovery disks) as well as Linux. However, thorough its custom factory integration program Dell can supply workstations with XP pre-installed, and it is also possible for customers to supply disk images for Operating System, network and applications, which Dell installs prior to shipping.

Dell is also in the process of developing a new Flash-driven workstation advisor website, which is designed to make it easier for customers to choose workstations according to which applications they use. This is coming in Q2 2009.

Look out for review of the new Precision range soon.

Today Lenovo became the first of the dedicated workstation manufacturers to announce its new generation Intel Xeon (Nehalem) based workstation range. Pipping Dell and HP to the post, Lenovo’s new ThinkStation S20 and D20 feature single socket and dual socket versions of Intel’s new Core i7-based Xeon chip.

In addition to offering both AMD (ATI) and Nvidia graphics cards, the big news is that Lenovo is pushing Nvidia’s Tesla GPU platform to supplement the jaw dropping performance of Intel’s new chips. For those that don’t know, Nvidia’s Tesla cards look like a graphics card and feature virtually the same technology as a graphics card, but are designed specifically to carry out compute tasks usually done on the CPU. Like all new technologies though, we are still waiting for the applications to come, most likely in the areas of simulation and rendering.

Elsewhere, Lenovo is boasting some pretty impressive green credentials, claiming that both workstations use 50% recycled content.

Look out for a full review review soon.

www.lenovo.com