AMD demonstrates Polaris graphics architecture at CES 2016

In conjunction with CES 2016, AMD announces the Polaris graphics architecture, or rather the fourth generation Graphics Core Next (GCN). It is not only about architectural changes but also the transition to one Finfetprocess, ie a manufacturing technique with so-called 3D transistors.

Although it has not yet been confirmed whether the production will be handled by TSMC with associated 16-nanometer technology or 14 nanometers from Samsung, it is no big deal that real steps in energy efficiency are to be expected. This is something AMD is taking the opportunity to demonstrate.

In its suite, AMD has set up two systems, one with a Geforce GTX 950 and the other with Polaris. In both cases, the systems are powered by an Intel Core i7-4790K and 16 GB of RAM. The choice of games is the new Star Wars: Battlefront, which runs in 1,920 x 1,080 pixels with the settings of High and the frame rate is locked at 60 FPS.

The meters show a clear advantage for the system with AMD Polaris, which draws just under 90 W compared to 155 W for the corresponding ditto with the Geforce GTX 950. It is worth mentioning that AMD claims that each system, excluding graphics cards, draws about 50 W. It would mean that the graphics card with the new architecture draws less than half at the same performance as the Nvidia card.

Behind closed doors, AMD also shows the graphics circuit in question, but does not allow images. What can be said is that it is a really small creation without HBM memory. The target group for this is first and foremost laptops for gaming, but also energy-efficient and budget-oriented desktop systems.

The Polaris graphics architecture is expected to make its entrance in the middle of the year. It is therefore likely that AMD has more news and perhaps even a launch in the rock sleeve ready for Computex 2016, which will be launched in early June.

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