RV870, the next-generation GPU from AMD, is currently being worked on under the codename “Little Dragon”. Of course we don’t know or care what the significance of the codename is, but with this comes other tidbits about the upcoming product. We previously reported that the RV870 will be built on a 40 or 45nm manufacturing process. Today we can confirm that it will indeed be 40nm.

This is significant for a couple of reasons, not the least of which being that it will enable AMD to add more transistors and consequently stream processors, as well as decrease heat output and increase efficiency. It is also important because it represents the first time in history that mainstream GPU manufacturing processes outpace those of the CPU. Current and upcoming Intel processors will be 45nm, as well as upcoming AMD Deneb Phenom variants. This definitely sends the signal that GPGPU, or using the GPU for more than just graphics is becoming a strong focus in the industry, as manufacturers are wanting to optimize the power/performance of their offerings.

RV870 will also have 960 stream processors, as opposed to the 800 currently found on RV770 parts. It is likely that these stream processors will operate at higher clock speeds than the current versions, due in part to the shrunken manufacturing process allowing frequency increases.

It is rumored that NVIDIA is also looking at 40nm for their next-generation GPUs, but no concrete information has been reported about that. NVIDIA is currently working on 55nm parts, including the recently-released GeForce 9800GTX+, and the 55nm versions of the 65nm GTX 280 and GTX 260.

Source: Fudzilla

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