Are graphics cards (and processors) now going green? AMD is certainly trying, having noted that its E-350 APU “demonstrated a significant reduction in the overall product ‘carbon footprint’” compared to previous AMD Anthlon processors and Mobility Radeon graphics cards. We’re talking a 40 percent reduction in carbon emission over the life of the APU. This is the part where the smart-aleck know-it-all calls into our radio show and demands that all the egghead scientists complaining about global warming should come and plow his driveway. There’s a difference between weather and climate, sir. Calm down.
AMD says that the reduction in carbon emission is primarily due to lower energy consumption when in use. (AMD also made a few changes to its manufacturing process that helped lower carbon emissions in the actual production of the APU, which is also neat.)
The lower carbon footprint can also be attributed to the fact that a single APU does the job of both a CPU and GPU.
In other AMD news, did you guys see the leaked photos of the 6990, the next-gen dual GPU card? While it’s great that AMD is committed to dual GPU cards, perhaps 2011 should be the year when AMD also commits itself to changing people’s perceptions about its driver releases? No one’s asking for 15 percent performance increases every month, but a bit of stability, perhaps some extra love and care paid to CrossFire? Something along those lines.
Let 2011 be the year of rock solid driver releases. That would be swell.