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The Geode is the brand given to series of x86-compatible microprocessors produced by AMD which it targets at the embedded computing market.
The series was originally launched by National Semiconductor as the Geode family in 1999. The Geode processor core itself is derived from the Cyrix MediaGX processor, which was acquired in National's merger with Cyrix in 1997. AMD bought the Geode business from National in August 2003 to augment its existing line of embedded x86 processor products.
Geode processors are optimized for low power consumption and low cost while still remaining x86 native. The earlier processors lacked many of the SIMD instructions such as MMX and SSE. However, they are present in more recent processors. Geode processors integrate some of the functions normally provided by a separate chipset, such as the Northbridge. The processor family is best suited for thin client, set top box and embedded computing applications. Geode processors are often paired with a low power graphics chip, also made by AMD. The One Laptop Per Child project intends to use a GX series Geode processor in the Laptop" target="_blank" >*.
The SCxxxx range of Geode devices are a single-chip version, comparable to the SiS 552, which integrate the CPU, memory controller, graphics and I/O devices into one package.
AMD Geode
In early 2005, AMD introduced the Castle series, which raised the clock speeds from around 300 MHz to around 400 MHz. This was quickly followed by the Geode LX, still based on the original MediaGX architecture, but now running up to 500 MHz. Further improvements were made, such as higher speed USB, DDR memory support, and more powerful display controllers.
Geode GX and LX processors are typically found in devices such as thin clients and industrial control systems. However they have come under competitive pressure from VIA on the x86 side, and ARM and XScale taking much of the low-end business.
Because of the relatively poor performance of the MediaGX core design, AMD introduced the Geode NX, which is an embedded version of the highly-successful Athlon processor, K7. Geode NX uses the Thoroughbred core, with 256KB of Level 2 cache, and runs fanless at up to 1 GHz in the NX1500@6W version. The NX1750 part runs at 1.4 GHz, and the NX1250 runs at 667 MHz.
The Geode NX, with its strong FPU, is particularly suited for embedded devices with graphical performance requirements, such as information kiosks and casino gaming machines, such as video slots.
These processors are named after geodes.
See also
External links
- AMD pages for Geode
- National Semiconductor press release: Cyrix -> VIA, MediaGX -> Geode
- National Semiconductor press release: Geode sold to AMD
- CPU-INFO: Cyrix MediaGX, indepth processor history
- Voltage and P State information for Geode NX
- Quixant QX-10 Geode NX Motherboard for gaming applications
- Soekris Engineering sells embedded boards with Geode processors
- PC Engines WRAP another embedded board with Geode processor
Linux on Geode
- Installing Linux on Geode-based Single-Board Computers
- Linux on Compaq EVO T20 HOWTO
- Compaq Evo T20 Notes
- Installing Linux onto the IBM Netvista N2200
- Linux on CASIO Cassiopeia Fiva
"Geode (processor)"