Press Release – 2015/8/31
AMD Multiuser GPU enables consistent, predictable and secure performance for virtualized workstations
AMD (NASDAQ:AMD) today at VMworld 2015 demonstrated the world’s first hardware-based GPU virtualization solution, the AMD Multiuser GPU. This new solution from AMD enables a virtualized workstation-class experience with full ISV certifications and local desktop-like performance. With the AMD Multiuser GPU, IT pros can easily configure these solutions to allow up to 15 users on a single AMD GPU. Demonstrations of AMD virtualization solutions can be found at VMworld 2015 booth 447.
“The AMD graphics cards are uniquely equipped with AMD Multiuser GPU technology embedded into the GPU delivering consistent and predictable performance,” said Sean Burke, AMD corporate vice president and general manager, Professional Graphics. “When these AMD GPUs are appropriately configured to the needs of an organization, end users get the same access to the GPU no matter their workload. Each user is provided with the virtualized performance to design, create and execute their workflows without any one user tying up the entire GPU.”
Built around industry standard SR-IOV (Single Root I/O Virtualization) technology, the AMD Multiuser GPU continues AMD’s embracement of non-proprietary open standards. SR-IOV is a specification developed by the PCI SIG, and provides a standardized way for devices to expose hardware virtualization. The AMD Multiuser GPU is designed to preserve and support graphics- and compute-accelerated features for design and manufacturing or media and entertainment applications. The AMD Multiuser GPU addresses limitations of current virtualized GPU solutions that may not provide predictable performance for CAD/CAE, Media and Entertainment, and general enterprise GPU needs.
Created for GPU-accelerated workflows such as GPU compute and OpenCL™, the AMD Multiuser GPU is designed to overcome the limitations of software-based virtualization such as reduced end-user performance. Users have access to native AMD display drivers for OpenGL, DirectX™ and OpenCL acceleration, enabling work without restrictions.
Additional AMD Multiuser GPU features include:
- Compute capabilities based on OpenCL supported by industry leading GPU virtualization
- Full feature set support including DirectX™ 12 and OpenGL 4.4
- OpenCL 2.0 acceleration support
- Stable, predictable performance
- User-owned share of local memory providing additional security
- 15 maximum users per physical GPU
AMD Multiuser GPU is designed to work on environments using VMware vSphere/ESXi 5.5 and up, with support for remote protocols such as Horizon View.
AMD strives to provide world-class professional graphics hardware for companies desiring to implement virtualized environments. To help IT managers with the installation process and ongoing support, there are no additional per-seat software costs from AMD beyond the purchase of the AMD Multiuser GPU1.