Anandtech's article about the clarification of the rumours
So yes it seems that we wont be getting a major refresh this year, we might be getting new and improved 7900 series of cards. Now while we can lament the fact we won't be getting any new cards this year, it clearly shows us that TSMC's 20nm process isn't ready.
AMD clearly don't want to pull another 6000 series and refresh the lines without a process jump, and second, allows them to deploy CGN based APU's.
Humbug said:
Given that they have a new APU just around the corner, next week i think, they may just come out with 86## series GPU's pretty soon.
Indeed, it looks like they will launch some time this year, but will be 7600 not 8600:
With 384 stream processors, Oland offers performance a step below the existing Cape Verde 7700 series parts and should give AMD the ability to deliver 7000 series functionality at under $100
I think it fair at this point we will be seeing the 9000 series next year to replace the 7000's in retail, same as what Nvidia did with the 400's. On the plus side it shows AMD aren't dragging the retail market in the OEM's rebadging at least.
I think Nvidia are also not going to make a launch of any new cards either, they probably want a new process just as AMD want one from TSMC, and as they make large GPU's in the first place can we honestly not blame them?
The time of the yearly GPU launch is over, as process nodes get harder and harder and both companies need longer to design a card that has substantial performance increases. Additionally, AMD need to make as much money as they can per design and Nvidia are focusing on newer revenue streams other than making money only off GPUs.
Plus side, I can just grab a 7850 now to replace my 6950 that a) Only just fits my case due to gigantic size and b) just about taps out my 380 PSU and runs cooler
