If you want 4K multimedia features like HDMI 2.0 and 4K H.265 video decoding @ 60 fps at a reasonable price point, ARM is basically the only game in town with Rockchip RK3229 and Amlogic S905 TV boxes in the low end segment ($30 to $40) and on the other side of the spectrum SoCs such as Nvidia Tegra X1 used in the Shield Android TV box for around $200. But AMD has now added the J family to its G-series embedded processor with two x86 cores, AMD Radeon GCN core, and multimedia capabilities including HDMI 2.0 and 4K HEVC decoding, with the processors targeting thin clients, IP set-top boxes and TVs, casino gaming, industrial control and automation, digital signage, and communications networks.
Key features of AMD G-Series J family processors:
- 2x “Excavator” x86 cores with 1MB shared L2 cache
- AMD Radeon R5E graphics (up to 3CUs) with support for DirectX 12
- Single channel 64-bit DDR4 or DDR3 memory
- 4Kx2K H.265 decode capability with 10-bit compatibility and multi format encode and decode
- Support for up to two display interfaces via HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.2, Embedded DisplayPort 1.4
- 1.0-compliant Heterogeneous System Architecture
- AMD Secure Processor
- High performance, integrated Controller Hub supports:
- PCIe Gen 3 1×4, PCIe Gen2/3 4×1
- 2x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0 ports
- 2x SATA 2.0/3.0 ports
There are apparently three models, but AMD did not manage to find a name in time for the press release, and could not decide the features for the third one…
Anyway, there are at least two models (currently unnamed) ranging from 8 to 10W (target) TDP @ 1.8/2.2 GHz, and 10-15W TDP @ 2.4/2.8GHz.
AMD Embedded G-Series J family is pin-to-pin and software compatible with AMD Embedded R-Series, and are said to be available now with additional SKUs planed in Q1 or Q2 of this year. Since the SoC targerts the embedded market, J family processor will be available for at least 10 years. The company also launched the slightly higher end I family, and entry-level LX series processors based on “Jaguar” cores. You may find more information on AMD G-Series product page.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
Support CNX Software! Donate via cryptocurrencies, become a Patron on Patreon, or purchase goods on Amazon or Aliexpress
Nice Soc , but only:
– Single channel 64-bit DDR4 or DDR3 memory( limited performance )
– HDMI 2.0, no HDR
1.1. Can we expect a mini PC utilizing one of these SoCs?
1.2. Does Chinese ODMs use such processors from AMD? Or maybe we should expect only major world-renowned ODMs?
1.3. If yes to 1.1 – at what price range?
1.4. If yes to 1.1 – when would it be available? the news release says as soon as q1 and q2 of 2016 – but it sounds too optimistic, because there aren’t even model names. And because such things usually take time to get to the market, since the time of the initial release of the SoC.
2. Could we expect a dongle form factor – a compute stick – with this device? Or maybe only bigger devices?
3. What about hardware support for VP9 10bit?
4. Does it support 4k@60fps or maybe only @30fps?
5. Is this basically the AMD equivalent of Intel Atom? Celeron? Pentium?
@Ron
Unfortunately, i wouldn’t expect any mini pc based on AMD APU.
As an example, AMD’s A10 micro-6700T is very good according to passmark benchmark (see the comparison with intel J1900 http://www.cpubenchmark.net/compare.php?cmp%5B%5D=2131&cmp%5B%5D=2520).
But AFAIK, the only mini pc featuring it is fitlet (http://www.fit-pc.com/web/products/specifications/?model%5B%5D=FITLET-GI-C67-WACB), which is aimed at industrial market and is too expensive in my opinion.
@Ron
I agree with @nobe that in the past AMD G-series processors have not been very popular, and I’ve never seen Chinese manufacturers launch a product based on them, but one can always hope…
Moi Pro AMD from TBS is one very popular product based on older G series AMD soc.
Will AMD officially support Android OS on these too?
Why is AMD so dumb?
AMD has losses over losses.
This is the Best HTPC Hardware and they just don’t release it to the masses?
1. HEVC 4K 10 Bit Decoder with 4k@60hz HDMI 2.0
2. AMDs Vector Adaptive Deinterlacing is still the best. It has the sharpest Picture with the best Ainitaliasing.
3. According to the previous Fujitsu Futros Power Comsumption i would say 4-5 Watt idle.
This sold for 100$ and everybody will buy it.
I really don’t understand it. 🙁