Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) has just released a fresh patch series for Linux, likely in anticipation of RDNA 4, their upcoming next-generation graphics architecture.
Currently, these patches offer limited insights. Essentially, AMD’s Linux team is laying the groundwork for an undisclosed new graphics architecture. The release date for RDNA 4 remains unknown, so patience is key. Nonetheless, the prospect is intriguing, especially considering recent rumors speculating that the upcoming Steam Deck 2 could potentially incorporate AMD’s RDNA 4 graphics architecture!
Additionally, I’m eagerly anticipating the top-tier RDNA 4 desktop graphics card, set to rival Nvidia’s anticipated powerhouse, the RTX 5090. According to Phoronix, AMD’s Linux team has uploaded fresh patches aimed at integrating “updated IP blocks” for the GPU driver designed specifically for the Linux kernel.
Phoronix previously reported in 2023 that the chipmaker had also shared ‘initial patches’ for GFX12, presumably alluding to the upcoming graphics architecture, highly anticipated to be RDNA 4. Notably, in Linux, “GFX10” corresponds to RDNA 3 graphics architecture. Until an official announcement regarding RDNA 4 is made by the chipmaker, tantalizing hints like these will continue to keep us all on edge.
Allegedly, the latest patches aim to activate LSDMA 7.0, IH 7.0, HDP 7.0, and ATHUB 4.1, crucial components primed for GFX12, likely indicating RDNA 4 if speculations hold true. Notably, these IP blocks boast significantly higher version numbers, strongly suggesting their alignment with RDNA 4. This marks an impending major overhaul for Team Red’s graphics architecture!
As outlined by Michael Larabel of Phoronix, ATHUB 4.1 is essential for implementing clock-gating and power management functionalities. LSDMA 7.0 serves as the newest IP for Light SDMA, facilitating general-purpose System DMA (SDMA) on the GPU. IH 7.0 handles the Interrupt Handler on the GPU, while HDP 7.0 provides support for Host Data Path, enabling CPU access to the GPU device memory via the PCI BAR.
The anticipated merge window for Linux 6.9 is set for mid-2024. However, it remains uncertain whether AMD will introduce or develop any new graphics product, be it for laptops, desktops, or other devices, utilizing the latest next-generation RDNA 4 graphics architecture by this time.
AMD’s recent Linux patch releases have sparked speculation about the impending launch of their next-generation RDNA 4 graphics architecture. What are your thoughts on the early enablement of RDNA 4 through these Linux updates? When do you predict AMD will officially unveil and release their latest GPU lineup based on this new architecture? Let us know your insights and predictions in the comments below.
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