At its own media event in San Francisco, California, Advanced Micro Devices has showcased a system featuring its next-generation AMD Radeon HD 7000-series graphics processing unit (GPU) code-named Southern Islands. The demonstration is a proof-of-concept that AMD is on-track to deliver its first graphics chips made using 28nm process technology.

"Today, we provided an early look at our upcoming 28nm next-gen notebook discrete GPU, driving Codemasters’ cutting-edge driving simulator, Dirt 3, demonstrating that we have working 28nm technology in house and already delivering a great gaming experience," a statement by AMD reads.

^{David Cummings, director of technology management at GPU division showcasing AMD's in-house working 28nm next-gen notebook discrete GPU.}

The company remained tight-lipped about specifications and architectural peculiarities of the demonstrated Southern Islands graphics processor. Everything that is known at present is that the company's 28nm GPUs are already fully functional and the company is ready to formally introduce them.

^{AMD Radeon HD 7000 "Southern Islands" mobile GPU}

Unfortunately, given the rumours that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company has issues with 28nm production ramp and recently even hiked the quotes on 28nm wafers, it is unclear whether AMD will be able to release its new GPUs in volume, or those will be limited edition products.

^{An AMD notebook development platform}

The 28nm generation of AMD's graphics processors will be rather broad. In fact, it is rumoured that even within Southern Islands family there will be chips with VLIW4 architecture as well as more progressive so-called GCN (graphics core next) architecture.

The news-story is set to be updated as more details transpire.

Tags: AMD, ATI, Radeon, Southern Islands