This CUDA Open Source Project ALMOST got Shut Down..
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Linux open source is a great thing especially with the development of projects that improve performance on GPUs like NVidia and AMD. We're going to talk abou...

The developer wants to continue the project from the codebase before they used the AMD ROCM code.

Previously, it allowed to run CUDA apps on Intel GPUs (integrated I think) and beat OpenCL in performance.

https://github.com/vosen/ZLUDA

  • Vik@lemmy.worldEnglish
    204·
    4 months ago

    Did you editorialise this title and description? How did AMD take down an Intel specific project? Are you intentionally missing out the amd-backed development for zluda on amd gfx? If Zluda can run unmodified CUDA code, where does ROCm factor in?

    • Nawor3565@lemmy.blahaj.zoneEnglish
      21·
      4 months ago

      The project started as an independently developed ZLUDA, meant for Intel GPUs. AMD started funding development of the project, expanding its scope to also work on AMD GPUs, with the condition that if AMD abandons it, the code would become open source. This happened a few months ago, but now for some reason AMD backtracked and pulled the open-source code for reasons we don’t know. AMD is usually pretty good with this stuff though, so I’m interested to find out what their motives are.

      • Vik@lemmy.worldEnglish
        201·
        3 months ago

        I’m familiar with the timeline of events, it’s just that this post title is intentionally obscure. As for why, it could be due to a recent enforcement by NVIDIA of a specific part in their EULA

        Nvidia has banned running CUDA-based software on other hardware platforms using translation layers in its licensing terms listed online since 2021, but the warning previously wasn’t included in the documentation placed on a host system during the installation process. This language has been added to the EULA that’s included when installing CUDA 11.6 and newer versions.

        The restriction appears to be designed to prevent initiatives like ZLUDA, which both Intel and AMD have recently participated, and, perhaps more critically, some Chinese GPU makers from utilizing CUDA code with translation layers.

        My guess is that either AMD were directly contacted or preemptively closed off a legal loophole.

        E: I was wondering where I recognised this username from

      • j4k3@lemmy.worldEnglish
        53·
        4 months ago

        Probably, AMD was only doing open source because Nvidia wasn’t. Now that it is no longer as advantageous since Nvidia is open sourcing (still no nvcc !!!), it is less advantageous. It’s typical capitalism conservative terminal brain rotting cancer. They don’t do the right thing unless it is profitable to do so. There is no big picture or ethics; just criminals and quarterly reports.

    • drspod@lemmy.ml
      91·
      4 months ago

      FTFR:

      What happened

      The code that was previously here has been taken down at AMD’s request. The code was released with AMD’s approval through an email. AMD’s legal department now says it’s not legally binding, hence the rollback. Before anyone asks: I have received no legal threats or any communication from NVIDIA.

      What now

      At this point, one more hostile corporation does not make much difference. I plan to rebuild ZLUDA starting from the pre-AMD codebase. Funding for the project is coming along and I hope to be able to share the details in the coming weeks. It will have a different scope and certain features will not come back.