Graphical processing units (GPUs) are the raw materials required to produce the computer-generated magic we see in video games and in films every year, which is what makes AMD's assertion that their 'Radeon HD 6990M' is the fastest GPU ever so important.
This announcement appears just weeks after Nvidia -- AMD's only major competitor -- claimed to have the industry's fastest graphics card, the GTX 580. Although it appears that AMD is leading in the race toward perfect photorealism, the market is fickle and likely to change.
For the curious, the HD 6990M has approximately 1.7 billion transistors within its curiously small case and has the ability to produce almost picture-perfect simulations of real life. In fact, AMD's video card outperformed its Nvidia competitor by 20% in controlled tests.
Although it won't see widespread adoption until prices fall later in the year, this GPU is an indication of the strides the film and gaming industries have taken toward higher fidelity in the CG world.
Lightening Speed GPUs
AMD Announces the Radeon HD 6990M Graphics Processor
Trend Themes
1. Fast GPU Race - The competition between GPU manufacturers is pushing for faster and more powerful graphics processing units.
2. Improved Photorealism - The development of faster and more capable GPUs is driving advancements in photorealistic rendering for gaming and film industries.
3. Higher Fidelity in CG - The advancements in GPU technology are leading to higher fidelity in computer-generated graphics for gaming and film industries.
Industry Implications
1. Gaming - The gaming industry can capitalize on the competitive developments in graphics processing technology to create more immersive and visually stunning games.
2. Film - The film industry can leverage these faster and more capable GPUs to produce more visually stunning and realistic special effects and CG animations.
3. Computer Hardware - The development of faster and more capable GPUs is driving innovations in computer hardware design and manufacturing.