AMD promises two new graphics processors in 2016

The fact that AMD and Nvidia are stuck at 28 nanometers from TSMC for their high-performance graphics circuits has not gone unnoticed by enthusiasts. In December, the technology’s commercial breakthrough turns four years old, which can be compared with previous technology shifts that have taken place approximately every two years.

Next year, it’s time for the duo to put 28 nanometers behind them and take the step to a “FinFET” process – so-called 3D transistors with lower current leakage and 16 or 14 nanometers from TSMC and Samsung with partner Globalfoundries. This will bring both higher energy efficiency and the ability to double the number of transistors on a given surface, which guarantees higher performance.

In a conversation with analyst Patrick Moorhead, from Moor Insights & Strategy, AMD’s graphics manager Raja Koduri says that the company will release two new graphics processors in 2016. While Koduri does not go into any further details, it is no big deal that the duo will be produced on one of two the aforementioned manufacturing techniques from Samsung or TSMC.

The future graphics generation goes by the code name Arctic Islands and will, according to previous statements from AMD’s CEO, Lisa Su, deliver doubled energy efficiency to the company’s current graphics processors. This is partly through the transition to a newer manufacturing technology and partly through architectural improvements, as well as the use of the memory type HBM2.

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The next generation top circuit is believed to go under the alias Greenland and is said to be equipped with no less than 18 billion transistors. It is considerably more than any other circuit available today and more than double the 8.9 billion housed in the Fiji graphics circuit, known from the Radeon R9 Fury X, R9 Fury and R9 Nano.

Exactly when the launch of AMD’s new graphics generation will take place is not yet known, as conflicting data suggest an introduction in either the first or second half of 2016.

Source: Forbes.