Tag: AMD Sound Wave

  • New Microsoft Surface Pro and Laptop Expected Next Year with AMD Processors

    New Microsoft Surface Pro and Laptop Expected Next Year with AMD Processors

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft launched Intel Lunar Lake editions of the Surface Laptop 7 and Surface Pro 11, along with a new Surface USB4 Dock priced at $199.99.
    2. The company introduced more affordable 13-inch Surface Laptop and 12-inch Surface Pro models compared to existing ARM-based versions.
    3. A new Surface Laptop Studio with the latest x86 processors is speculated to be released by the end of the year.
    4. Microsoft is reportedly collaborating with AMD on new chipsets based on ‘Sound Wave’ architecture for future Surface devices.
    5. The Sound Wave APUs are expected to feature eight ARM-derived CPU cores and an integrated GPU, designed for Microsoft’s 2026 Surface lineup, potentially including Surface Laptop 8 and Surface Pro 12.

    Microsoft has launched four new models of the Surface Laptop and Surface Pro this year. To summarize, the company started 2025 by unveiling the Intel Lunar Lake editions of the Surface Laptop 7 and Surface Pro 11, along with the Surface USB4 Dock, which is currently priced at $199.99 on Amazon.

    Recent Announcements

    Last week, Microsoft introduced the 13-inch Surface Laptop and the 12-inch Surface Pro as more affordable options compared to their current ARM-based versions. There are indications that Microsoft is still active in its Surface line. Speculation suggests that a new Surface Laptop Studio, featuring the latest x86 processors, could be released before the year wraps up.

    Future Developments

    Looking ahead, rumors hint at something even more significant for next year. Reports indicate that Microsoft is collaborating with AMD for chipsets intended for a variety of upcoming Surface devices. These chipsets are reportedly based on AMD’s ‘Sound Wave’ architecture, a topic discussed by Moore’s Law is Dead back in March.

    The AMD Sound Wave APUs are rumored to include eight CPU cores derived from ARM, divided into two performance clusters and four efficiency clusters. They also come with an integrated GPU featuring four Compute Units (CUs) based on the ‘RDNA 3.5+’ architecture. According to Moore’s Law is Dead, the Sound Wave APUs will utilize TSMC’s 3 nm nodes to ensure optimal power efficiency within a range of 5-10 W.

    Expected Releases

    While information is still limited, KeplerL2 suggests that AMD has specifically tailored the Sound Wave APUs for Microsoft’s ‘2026 Surface lineup’. Therefore, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Surface Laptop 8 and Surface Pro 12 were launched in the spring to take the place of Microsoft’s existing consumer-oriented models.

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  • AMD Sound Wave ARM APU for Windows: 6 Cores & MALL Cache

    AMD Sound Wave ARM APU for Windows: 6 Cores & MALL Cache

    Key Takeaways

    1. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus SoCs are gaining popularity among major laptop brands due to their strong performance and energy efficiency.
    2. AMD is set to release its first ARM APU, called Sound Wave, in 2026, aimed at competing with Qualcomm’s offerings.
    3. The AMD Sound Wave is expected to feature a CPU with 2 P-cores, 4 E-cores, and a total of 12 threads, along with an RDNA 3.5 iGPU.
    4. The APU will include a 128-bit LPDDR5X-9600 memory controller and is anticipated to come standard with 16 GB of memory.
    5. AMD’s Sound Wave will be manufactured using TSMC’s 3 nm process, signaling a promising future for ARM-based Windows laptops alongside new Qualcomm SoCs.

    The Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus SoCs represent the first truly remarkable ARM chips for Windows laptops. Their outstanding performance and energy efficiency have led to widespread adoption by leading laptop manufacturers such as Asus, Dell, HP, Microsoft, and others. Nevertheless, Qualcomm will not be the only beneficiary in the ARM-based Windows laptop market, as both MediaTek and AMD are set to introduce their ARM APUs in the near future.

    AMD’s ARM Innovations

    AMD’s upcoming ARM laptop processor is referred to as “Sound Wave.” As reported in May 2024, AMD aims to launch its first ARM APU in 2026. This APU is expected to come with a “strong NPU” designed to attract users of Microsoft Surface devices away from Qualcomm’s offerings.

    Thanks to insights from Moore’s Law Is Dead, we have some intriguing specifications about the AMD Sound Wave that are worth discussing.

    Technical Specifications

    The AMD Sound Wave may have a CPU configuration of 2 P-cores, 4 E-cores, and 4 MB of L3 cache. If these 6 cores support SMT, similar to AMD’s x86 processors, we could see a total of 12 threads available. Additionally, the CPU is expected to be combined with an RDNA 3.5 iGPU featuring 4 Compute Units, 16 MB of MALL (Memory Attached Last-Level Cache), and enhanced machine learning capabilities.

    According to MLID’s sources, the unexpected inclusion of MALL cache in a compact APU like Sound Wave “makes sense” for increasing power efficiency and supplying additional bandwidth for the AI engine. Speaking of AI, the AMD Sound Wave APUs will also include a 4th-generation AI engine.

    Memory and Manufacturing Process

    For its memory subsystem, AMD is reportedly utilizing a 128-bit LPDDR5X-9600 memory controller. Laptops running on the Sound Wave architecture are anticipated to come standard with 16 GB of memory, which is quite positive, as AMD appears to be positioning Sound Wave as the successor to the Zen 2-based Ryzen 7020 “Mendocino” APUs designed for 5-10 W form factors.

    In terms of manufacturing, AMD Sound Wave is said to be produced using the TSMC 3 nm process. We could start seeing laptops powered by AMD’s ARM processor as soon as 2026.

    Overall, with AMD Sound Wave expected to debut in 2026 alongside new Qualcomm Snapdragon ARM SoCs for Windows, and with Nvidia and MediaTek also entering the AI PC chip space, the future looks promising for ARM-based Windows laptops.

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    AMD Sound Wave ARM APU for Windows: 6 Cores & MALL Cache
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