AI Under Transformation: From AMD Rumors to the Reality of NPU Advancements

 By Nadim Kahwaji


Artificial Intelligence (AI) is ubiquitous. It’s hard to engage with any technology-related media without encountering frequent mentions of AI, thanks largely to the explosion of large language models like ChatGPT. In response, tech giants such as Microsoft, Intel, NVIDIA, AMD, and Qualcomm are intensifying their focus on what they believe is the next computing revolution: AI-driven technology. Microsoft and Intel are at the forefront, keenly outlining their visions for the next generation of AI-enabled PCs. Meanwhile, AMD and Qualcomm are not far behind, each advancing similar initiatives to harness the potential of AI.

According to some rumors, AMD’s upcoming APU, Strix Point, which utilizes Zen 5 architecture and RDNA 3.5 graphics, is set to significantly boost AI acceleration by incorporating a powerful Neural Processing Unit (NPU). This enhancement, however, necessitates a reduction in the processor's cache memory to accommodate the NPU.

Regardless of the veracity of these rumors, the trend toward incorporating Neural Processing Units (NPUs) to offload AI processing from CPUs and GPUs is clear and is the path that major tech companies are pursuing into the foreseeable future. In this vein, Microsoft and Intel have collaborated to define their vision of an AI PC. This concept integrates a combination of hardware and software, featuring an NPU alongside the latest CPUs and GPUs, and includes access to Microsoft's Copilot. Additionally, these systems will require the new Copilot key that Microsoft announced earlier this year. Microsoft has set a benchmark for what constitutes an 'AI PC', specifying that it must achieve at least 40 TOPS.




Intel was the first to integrate a Neural Processing Unit (NPU), named Intel AI Boost, into their Meteor Lake processor found within the SoC tile, achieving approximately 11 TOPS independently, and a total of 34 TOPS when combined with the AI capabilities of the CPU and GPU. However, this falls short of Microsoft's stringent 40 TOPS requirement for the NPU alone in an 'AI PC', marking a significant initial step in AI integration. To promote further development, Intel initiated the AI PC Acceleration Program, offering 24/7 access to resources and early reference hardware. This program allows Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) and software developers to create and optimize their workloads before retail launch. Currently, AI applications are largely focused on text and image generation, image processing, and advanced searches. However, Intel and Microsoft are exploring how AI can also enhance audio, display, and storage performance. Furthermore, Microsoft is developing new Copilot functionalities that could automatically adjust system settings, facilitate item searches via text, and streamline various workflow processes.

At CES 2024, Intel’s CEO, Pat Gelsinger, declared Lunar Lake as the flagship SoC for the next generation of AI PCs. Intel asserts that Lunar Lake will triple the AI performance of their existing Meteor Lake SoC. The NPU in Lunar Lake is specifically designed to achieve a robust 45 TOPS, putting it on par with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite processor. This performance exceeds Microsoft's definition of an AI PC, which sets the benchmark at 40 TOPS for the NPU alone. Additionally, when combined with the integrated graphics and compute cores, the total AI capability of Lunar Lake is projected to exceed 100 TOPS.

Manufacturers are increasingly interested in NPUs because they offer substantial performance benefits for the power consumed, particularly for workloads that are well-suited to NPU capabilities. Although current NPUs may not perform as well as dedicated AI engines in CPUs and GPUs, they are significantly more power-efficient. With advancements in semiconductor technology and software optimizations, NPUs are expected to become the primary processing units for AI, especially in mobile devices where power efficiency is critical. In the case of Intel's Meteor Lake SoC, the NPU's utility is currently limited by software support; however, this is likely to change soon.

 


Artificial Intelligence (AI) is arguably the most pervasive buzzword in technology today, and its momentum shows no signs of waning.

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