AMD new processors, GCN update features, R9 390X Allegedly Leaked?

AMD will soon update Graphics Core Next architecture with three processors: Iceland, Tonga and Hawaii XTX. The release date is not yet  announced.

Iceland

When we first heard about Iceland, we thought it was a new Hawaii successor. However, Iceland is something completely different, a mid-class processor. Most importantly Iceland is mobile GPU, however it will launch as desktop card in later date. Iceland will finally send Cape Verde to retirement. For such reason, Iceland might be the actual Maxwell GM107 competitor.

Tonga

Tonga is basically a Tahiti core with 256b memory bus interface. Tonga is going to be launched as new SKU, not as a Tahiti replacement. It should serve as solution until AMD finally announces the much anticipated Radeon 300 series.

Hawaii XTX

Hawaii XTX is basically a higher-clocked Hawaii XT, nothing more and nothing else. From what we’ve gathered so far, XTX will be launched with Radeon R9 295X.

GCN update features

Now, we are going to tell you about the new features of GCN. Unfortunately we are unable to confirm whether Hawaii XTX will support them too.

UAV Ordering (Unordered Access View Ordering)

UAVs cannot guarantee that each frame will access pixels in the same order. In order to avoid artifacts, some sorting is required. AMD’s UAV Ordering is basically an alternative to Intel’s PixelSync. It’s a special algorithm to solve three problems: order-independent transparency, complex scenes anti-aliasing (for example hair or fences) and shadows from transparent effects.

This technology will dramatically improve the quality of video games.

A good example of such algorithm being used is shown below.