Until now, AMD is very reluctant to talk about the new generation of Radeon graphics cards, and most of the information came from unofficial sources, or simply guessing. The manufacturer decided to, but, to lift the veil of secrecy, в начале предал подробности относительно используемого технологического процесса и архитектуры.
First, let's explain, why the information about the new maps we publish only now, while they were leaked to the network for a few hours ago. All the materials we received from the producer much earlier, но связывало нас соглашение о неразглашении (NDA), которое мы взяли на себя выполнять. Now we present to 100% подтвержденную информацию прямо от AMD, while previously published leaks can be simply duck.
A new generation of graphics processors to be produced on Technology 14 nm FinFET transistors to 3D (not 16 nm, some say from an untrusted source). Important, that AMD is working with several companies in the manufacture of these chips, including GlobalFoundries (some time ago we wrote about the beginning of cooperation). This technique replaces the traditional planar transistors, хотя это не новость – это решение уже используется Intel с 2012 of the year (times Ivy Bridge processors).
FinFET technology will reduce energy demand and improve energy efficiency (performance per watt), and that, in turn, It opens the door to creating more efficient graphics processors for gaming laptops and hand held computers (also without additional power connectors). Radeon R9 Nano in the laptop? Кто знает… :-)
Новые Radeony будут опираться на четвертое поколении архитектуры GCN (Graphics Core Next) code-named Polaris, which will refresh the graphics processor structure. Change not only the computing units CU, but also the geometry processor, the cache memory of the second level (L2), memory controller, engines and video processing engine.
Connect a new process and new architecture is to bring revolution in energy consumption. true, manufacturer has reluctantly talks about the details, но можно сравнить похожие (in terms of performance) hardware configuration in Star Wars Battlefront game - the platform is equipped with a graphics card Nvidia GeForce GTX 950 использовала 140 Tue, a platform with a new graphics card based on the already Polarisa 86 AT. Energy efficiency is expected, grow even 2 times the card, based on the previous version of architecture.
The new architecture will also use an HDMI connection 2.0 и DisplayPort 1.3 - designed for 4K monitors 120 Gc or 5K, 60 Hz, as well as for the new generation of displays HDR. by the way, we can rely on the function of the hardware encode / decode 4K material and H. 265.
But this is not the end of revelations, because the rumors have reached us, что AMD на выставке CES представит видео карту с архитектурой “Polaris” и памятью GDDR5. Of course, it does not mean, that the new generation will not be construction, equipped with a new memory HBM / HBM2. will, naturally, and such, although the graphics cards, aimed at optimum profitability will continue to be used GDDR5 memory (mainly due to better profitability in this segment ).
Seem to be, the new generation of Radeon introduce a real revolution in the field of energy efficiency, and therefore, there, where previous models had the biggest problems. How will actually? This we learn only in the middle of this year, because that's when the first model should debut, based on the architecture of the GCN "Polaris".
A source: AMD