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Advanced Micro Devices may unleash its new-generation graphics
solutions based on the GCN 2.0 architecture in the third quarter,
according to newly leaked pieces of information. Two rumoured chips
expected to be unleashed are code-named Curacao and Hainan. The new
graphics processing units will address enthusiast and high-end markets.
But there are a number of catches.
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AMD is projected to release code-named Curacao and Hainan graphics
processing units that will belong to GCN 2.0 family of products in Q3
2013, reports Chiphell
web-site. The new architecture will have a number of enhancements, but
the source only mentions that it will come with improved front-end (4
asynchronous computing engines [ACEs], 3 geometry engines) as well as
increased amount of stream processors. Both Curacao and Hainan belong to
Sea Islands family of GPUs, hence they do not feature advance
heterogeneous compute capabilities.
The two chips are expected to be made using 28nm process technology,
which is logical, keeping in mind that AMD’s manufacturing partner
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. will only start risk production
using 20nm fabrication process in Q4 2013.
The Curacao XT graphics processor is expected to feature 2304 stream
processors (36 compute units), 144 texture units, 48 render back ends
and 384-bit memory controller. The Hainan is projected to have 1792
stream processors (28 compute units), 112 texture units, 32 render back
ends and 256-bit memory controller. Both chips will share the same
front-end (just-like current-gen Radeon HD 7900 and 7800 do) with 4
asynchronous computing engines [ACEs], 3 geometry engines, command
processor, global data share and so on.
The web-site mentions various products based on the new chips,
including Radeon HD 8970, Radeon HD 8950, Radeon HD 8870 and Radeon HD
8850 along with clock-speeds and configurations. However, considering
that the products are months away, everything can change.
The information about improved family of GPUs makes a lot of sense
since AMD clearly needs to offer a new lineup of products this fall.
Moreover, historically AMD released new products in Q3 to ensure
availability by holiday season. However, AMD is also known for adoption
of all-new process technologies among the first, which means that a
release of new products month ahead of new tech launch does not fit into
such tactics. On the other hand, AMD might have wanted to reduce its
risks with the new family of GPUs, which is why it decided to stick to
28nm. Finally, expected performance improvement of Curacao XT versus
currently-available Tahiti XT does not seem to be significant enough for
a brand-new generation.
AMD did not comment on the news-story.
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