AMD New Horizons Event Comes At Short Notice
In just a couple of months, AMD should be launching their new Zen 2 processors. Using the updated version of the Zen architecture, the new CPUs should offer in the excess of 10% IPC increase. Ahead of the launch next year, it looks like AMD is slowing ramping up their marketing campaign. This week on Tuesday, November 6th, AMD will be holding a new event. Dubbed Next Horizons, there is a strong chance that the company will talk Zen 2 and Navi.
A new event with such a title is familiar to us already. Ahead of the Zen launch in 2017, the company hosted a New Horizons event in December 2016. During that event, the company revealed a lot of details about Zen and Ryzen. Next Horizons may serve the same purpose, with an overview of what Zen 2 will look like. By doing it a bit early, it leaves CES open to perhaps a GPU launch of Navi. It also serves to build up excitement and hype ahead of the holiday season to hold over customers until Zen 2 arrives in 2019.
Zen and Navi Likely on Agenda
At the very least, the loaded title suggests we will be getting a good glimpse of what is coming up for AMD. One area of focus will likely be the tweaks AMD has done to increase the IPC beyond what Zen+ has already given us. Beyond details for Zen 2 such as the architecture and MCM design, other future CPUs might get discussed. The company may also reveal a future roadmap perhaps up to Zen 3 and Zen 4.
On the GPU side of things, the designs after Navi may also get a mention. AMD has hinted that it wants to get back stronger in the GPU market due to a weak quarter. In terms of timing, both Intel and Nvidia have recently launched new product lines. While AMD has had Threadripper 2, things have otherwise been quiet. This event offers a good chance for the company to grab some limelight ahead of what will be a busy holiday season and Q1 2019.
