AMD Unveils World’s First Hardware-Based Virtualized GPU Solution

AMD demonstrated the world’s first hardware-based GPU virtualization solution, the AMD Multiuser GPU at VMWorld 2015. This new solution from AMD enables a virtualized workstation-class experience with full ISV certifications and local desktop-like performance. With the AMD Multiuser GPU, IT pros can easily configure these solutions to allow up to 15 users on a single AMD GPU, the company said in a press release.

“The AMD graphics cards are uniquely equipped with AMD Multiuser GPU technology embedded into the GPU delivering consistent and predictable performance,” said Sean Burke, AMD corporate vice president and general manager, Professional Graphics. “When these AMD GPUs are appropriately configured to the needs of an organization, end users get the same access to the GPU no matter their workload. Each user is provided with the virtualized performance to design, create and execute their workflows without any one user tying up the entire GPU.”

Created for GPU-accelerated workflows such as GPU compute and OpenCL™, the AMD Multiuser GPU is designed to overcome the limitations of software-based virtualization such as reduced end-user performance. Users have access to native AMD display drivers for OpenGL, DirectX™ and OpenCL acceleration, enabling work without restrictions, the press release elaborated.

AMD Multiuser GPU is designed to work on environments using VMware vSphere/ESXi 5.5 and up, with support for remote protocols such as Horizon View.