AMD Finally Releases GPUs for AIO Desktops

AMD "quietly" launched a new line of GPUs designed specifically for the All-In-One market.

Although AMD hasn't provided an official announcement, Xbit Labs noticed that the company has "quietly" launched its DirectX 11-compatible AMD Radeon HD 6000A series of GPUs designed specifically for All-In-One (AIO) desktops. This new series includes the 800 MHz AMD Radeon HD 6670A, the 800 MHz 6650A, the 650 MHz 6550A and the 625 to 750 MHz 6450A.

"AMD Radeon HD 6000A Series graphics allows you to experience immersive entertainment, gives you the power you need while being energy efficient and gets you the performance you expect with the ability to accelerate the latest games and applications," the company states on the product page.

The 6670A, 6650A and 6550A models are based on the "Turks" GPU and features 480 stream processors, 24 texture units and 8/32 color/z render operating units. The 6450A model is based on the "Caicos" GPU and features 160 stream processors, 8 texture units and 4/16 color/z render operating units. All four should provide similar performance to appropriate add-in desktop cards.

"Depending on the form-factor of the target product, ASICs are defined and qualified differently, thus the use of an A or M at the end of the series number to distinguish an All-in-One (A) or mobile (M) part from that of a desktop part," AMD spokesman Dave Erskine told Xbit Labs. "OEMs immediately know that a part designated as AMD Radeon HD 6000A has been validated and specified for the unique needs of All-in-One designs, including thermals, power requirements, and feature support."

Lenovo's ThinkCentre Edge 91z actually shipped with an optional AMD Radeon HD 6650A GPU (with 1 GB) back in May. Marketed as one of the thinnest AIOs, measuring just 2.5 inches, it comes equipped with up to Intel i7 Quad Core processors (depending on your budget), a 21.5-inch glossy HD screen, up to 8 GB of DDR3 memory, and a choice of a 80 GB SSD or a 1 TB HDD.

"As many companies turn to all-in-one (AIO) desktops to creatively furnish space-constrained offices, we’ve expanded our line of business AIOs to meet their personalized needs," said Tom Shell, vice president, Worldwide ThinkCentre Marketing, Lenovo. "The new ThinkCentre Edge 91z AIO elevates computing for small-to-medium businesses with an unmatched combination of style and substance, outpacing other PCs in performance, fast boot up, serviceability and price."