AMD unveils 'world's first' hardware-based virtualised GPU tech, MxGPU

AMD's multi-user GPU available now for Citrix XenServer 7.4

AMD has announced a new MxGPU technology, something it is calling "the world's first hardware-based virtualised GPU solution".

Available now for Citrix XenServer 7.4, the MxGPU tech - a multi-user GPU intended for virtualised client environments - supports both Citrix XenDesktop and XenApp. It's also a flexible solution for diverse business applications, AMD claimed.

It described it as providing "eliable, predictable infrastructure", continuing: "AMD MxGPU graphics virtualisation technology delivers leading quality of service (QoS) with performance that is up to nine times more consistent than the competition," it claimed in a news release.

It added that this "means IT managers get fewer calls about unexpected slowdowns and end users know exactly how their workflow will behave".

AMD said that the technology could be useful to businesses because it will provide a "predictable graphics experience" for digital workspaces.

"IT managers [will] get fewer calls probing unexpected slowdowns; end users [will] know how their workflow will behave and the Program Management Office can practice better business planning through predictable resource allocation," AMD explained.

AMD's MxGPU technology is built on industry standard Single-Root I/O virtualisation, which makes it more flexible for remote workforces and also enables up to 16 virtualised users per physical GPU to work remotely, AMD claimed.

As part of the announcement for the new tech, AMD said it has continued open-source leadership with the KVM host OS driver.

"The Virtualised Graphics KVM host driver is now available to the open-source community, so cloud service providers and enterprises can customise their MxGPU GIM (guest interface manager) to their production environment and build products to suit customers unique needs," the company explained.

As more independent software vendors adopt GPU-acceleration to provide a better experience for end-users, AMD is hoping GPU-bound QoS will continue to be a top choice for enterprise data centres.