AMD’s New Embedded Chipset

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In the past, if developers wished to implement fast 3D graphics and/or full HD video displays with long-term availability, they were faced with a difficult problem – this simply could not be done. With the new RS780E embedded chipset, AMD provides a solution to this.
 
The new AMD RS780E chipset is one of the industry’s most powerful embedded graphics chipsets. It is therefore a highly suitable solution for digital signage, multimedia, and professional gaming solutions, all of which require excellent 2D and 3D performance with high resolution and smooth playback of full HD video at 1080p. In particular, full HD is of crucial importance for large-format professional digital signage applications which require crystal-clear images and smooth reproduction down to the finest details.
 
Previously, full HD could only be realized with the latest power hungry graphics cards and high-performance CPUs. With such a combination, there was no question of “long-term availability” due to the approximately 18 month refresh cycle of today’s GPUs. These are rather unfavourable conditions for version management and investment protection that professional applications require. Moreover, the high error rate of graphics card fans as well as the extremely high power dissipation makes it complicated to develop a rugged, heat-resistant system design. With the AMD RS780E chipset, developers can utilise a power-saving embedded platform to design long-term available applications including full HD video with excellent 2D and 3D graphics for several independent screens.

The AMD RS780E embedded chipset for all AMD processors with AM2+ sockets not only exceeds the performance of its predecessor but also outperforms current CPU architectures. With a 300 to 400% graphics performance gain (depending on the test method), the AMD RS780E compares well to current chipsets. Featuring reduced power consumption compared to the previous AMD M690E, AMD’s latest embedded chipset sets a new record. In idle mode, its power dissipation is reduced from 1.40 watts for the AMD M690E to 0.95 watts for the AMD RS780E, which is possible with the introduction of 55 nm manufacturing technology. As for CPUs, the new manufacturing technology reduces power requirements and heat dissipation. As a result, the new long-term available AMD RS780E chipset, in combination with an AMD Athlon 2000+, requires on average less than 15 watts with a single-screen application.
 
The load-sensitive power management with ACPI 3.0 also contributes to the low power consumption. Depending on the processor, both the processor core and memory controller can be regulated via AMD ‘Power Now! or Cool’n’Quiet’. At low capacity utilisation, the core frequency, multiplier, and core voltage can be reduced, minimising the power demand. All these features place the RS780E chipset at the top of its class for the digital signage market because it delivers the most energy-efficient high-end graphics and processing performance.