AMD preparing Linux GPU drivers for GFX 11.5 architecture (Ryzen 8000 & Navi 3.5)

AMD started working on Ryzen 8000 APUs GPU drivers for Linux

As reported by Phoronix, AMD has begun deployment of the next-gen GPU architecture which is now officially called GFX 11.5. This architecture is likely to be the initial indication of the forthcoming RDNA 3.5 (or Navi 3.5) GPU series, which is scheduled to commence next year.

AMD’s usage of “Navi 3.5” is not based on rumors. The company has officially employed this term for their upcoming Zen-based processor series in their official marketing slides. Moreover, a minimum of two GFX11.5 products have already been identified with IDs GFX1151 and GFX1150. These IDs are loosely associated with the upcoming Ryzen 8000 APUs, known as Strix Point.

As highlighted in the provided report, the initial implementation of GFX11.5 drivers seems to heavily rely on automated generation, differing by just about a dozen lines of code when compared to GFX11. Since this is a fresh patch, it remains too early to determine the extent of modifications being integrated into the GFX11 (RDNA3) architecture and the underlying reasons for AMD’s decision to introduce RDNA3.5.

GFX 11.5,Source: Freedesktop

Nevertheless, the initiation of this implementation has started ahead of schedule and is likely to fall short of meeting the upcoming v6.6 kernel deadline. It’s probable that these changes will instead be included in the v6.7 kernel set to be released later this year. However, it’s worth noting that the launch of both Ryzen 8000 APUs is not anticipated within the current year. Instead, their unveiling is expected to take place in early 2024, serving as successors to the Phoenix series which was unveiled at CES 2023.

Source: Freedesktop via Phoronix