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AMD To Open-Source Its Linux Execution & Compilation Stack

Posted by Soulskill on from the open-source-execution-is-not-as-bad-as-it-sounds dept.

An anonymous reader writes "According to Phoronix, AMD will be open-sourcing its Linux execution and compiler stack as part of jump-starting the Heterogeneous System Architecture Foundation. The HSA Foundation was started earlier this month at the AMD Fusion Developer Summit and AMD plans to open up its stack so that others can utilize the code without causing HSA fragmentation. This will include LLVM code, the HSA run-time, an HSA kernel driver for Linux distributions, an HSA assembler, and other components."

6 of 81 comments (clear)

  1. Interesting timing... by DeTech · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Capitalizing on the Nvidia slam fest this week maybe?

    1. Re:Interesting timing... by Jeng · · Score: 4, Interesting

      We need more competition not less.

      Nvidia should buy VIA.

      --
      Don't know something? Look it up. Still don't know? Then ask.
    2. Re:Interesting timing... by John+Hasler · · Score: 3, Interesting

      > What?

      I believe that what he is getting at is that NVidia is still tied up in stupid "IP" licenses that might be revoked if they released source for their blobs or detailed specs for their chips.

      --
      Warning: this article may contain humor, sarcasm, parody, and perhaps even irony. Read at your own risk.
  2. Exceptions by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Interesting

    the full Linux execution stack (compiler/runtime/kernel drivers) in open source form, except for one commercial third party piece (the C++ parser front end)

    Is this missing piece a proprietary parser of C++ for LLVM or a proprietary shader parser implemented in C++?

    Kudos to AMD. It is getting easier for me to imagine buying ATI based GPUs for my own use after ~10 years of NVidia cards. A full execution stack may lead to at least more stable drivers (via users debugging), if not more efficient. My #1 objection to ATI has been instability of Linux drivers.

  3. Oh AMD, by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Interesting

    why ist thou seducing me with your open ways?

    Keep it up, AMD!!! Your good will, collaboration, and support towards the Open Source community is being noted and remembered each time I consider purchasing a new system!

    /linux exclusively, of course

  4. Re:What's an execution stack? by shiftless · · Score: 4, Interesting

    I'm no expert either, but it sounds like the toolchain to build code which can run on the GPU. i.e. shaders. Hopefully the experts will chime in and correct me....

    I'd just like to say, as a die-hard NVidia fan, this will definitely cause me to take a second look at ATI's offerings. The main thing holding me back from considering them is their heretofore poor Linux compatibility. I run Windows 7 now, but I want to retain the option of Linux usage now or in the future. Good open source ATI drivers plus continued good quality products coming out of ATI would most likely tip me heavily towards ATI in the future.