AMD packs 1TB SSD into a GPU for better VR and gaming

The idea is simple: As file sizes get larger, more memory and storage are needed for GPUs to quickly process and deliver graphics. The Radeon Pro Solid State Graphics (SSG) card will have a 1TB SSD, which can be used as storage or as a supplement to on-board volatile memory.

AMD's graphics cards top out at 32GB of memory, which limits the processing of large amounts of data. The SSD will add a terabyte of memory, allowing larger chunks of data to be lined up for processing on the GPU. It could also be used to store processed graphics or video for delivery to screens.

A closer-linked SSD wastes little time sending data to a GPU, and the hardware could be useful for video editing and virtual reality. Cameras taking 360-degree video generate a lot of data, which can be lined up temporarily in the SSD.

Similarly, the GPU can help stream 4K videos to multiple screens simultaneously, and it will allow graphics for VR headsets to be delivered faster. It could alleviate some challenges with delivering smooth graphics to VR headsets like Oculus Rift and HTC Vive.

The SSD can also be used as a cache where the next level of a game can be processed, then loaded on a PC instantly. Games often can be loaded faster if stored on the SSD.

Placing an SSD next to the GPU also cuts internal PC bandwidth issues.

The integrated SSD could also be used as a storage drive on a Windows PC, according to AMD. Users will be offered the option to list the SSD as a storage drive.

The Radeon Pro SSG will initially be sold as a development kit for US$9,999, but it won't be aimed at all computer users. AMD will evaluate applications, and ship the GPU to people who could help develop the final product.

Right now, the concept is being tested. But AMD could release final products in the first quarter next year, said Raja Koduri, senior vice president and chief architect of AMD's Radeon Technologies Group.

SSDs paired with GPUs as persistent memory will be a feature in more GPUs moving forward, and usage models will develop over time, Koduri said.

There are many possibilities with SSDs on GPUs -- they can be used as cache, primary storage, or secure storage -- and AMD is working with partners to discover different uses, Koduri said.

Movie makers, in particular, have been excited about graphics cards with integrated SSDs, Koduri said.

SSDs used as cache or temporary storage is already available in PCs. Newer Windows PCs have cordoned-off, low-capacity SSDs to quickly load commonly used programs, fast boot PCs, or store replicas of the OS if a hard drive goes bad. SSDs are also used as cache in servers to process data-intensive applications.

The Radeon Pro SSG has a single graphics processor based on Fiji architecture, also used in the company's dual-GPU Radeon Pro Duo. AMD didn't share more details, but with two GPUs, the Radeon Pro Duo delivers 16 teraflops of single-precision performance. The Radeon Pro SSG is a test product, and the specifications will certainly change in the final product that ships next year.

The Radeon Pro SSG will be shown in action at the SIGGRAPH conference in Anaheim, California, this week.