AMD adds GDDR7 memory support to Linux GPU drivers, indicating RDNA 5 preparation

GDDR7 Support Integrated

AMD has started adding support for GDDR7 memory to its open-source Linux kernel driver. This inclusion is a strong indicator that AMD is preparing software for its upcoming discrete Radeon graphics processors, which are expected to utilize the RDNA 5 architecture. Current Radeon RX 9000-series GPUs, based on RDNA 4, use GDDR6 memory.

New IP Block Patches

In addition to GDDR7 support, AMD submitted patches for new versions of its Interrupt Handler (IH 8.0) and New Bus Interface (NBIF 7.10). These changes, along with earlier work on Display Core Next 6 (DCN6) and GFX 13.0.x, suggest a gradual upstreaming of support for multiple components of a new GPU architecture. While these IP blocks point to new hardware, the GDDR7 mention specifically indicates new discrete GPUs.

Next-Generation Architecture Leadership

Laks Pappu, a Senior Fellow at AMD, is leading the development of AMD's next-generation datacenter and discrete graphics platforms. His previous LinkedIn profile indicated work on "competitive 2.5D/3.5D Chiplet-based and monolithic Graphics SoCs on various packaging technologies," suggesting a flexible approach to future GPU designs.

Potential for Multi-Chiplet Designs

AMD has previously used a multi-chiplet design in its Navi 31 GPU, separating graphics processing from memory interfaces and caches. Pappu's background suggests that future GPU architectures could support both multi-chiplet and monolithic implementations, depending on performance, cost, and market requirements.