Published in Graphics

AMD confirms dual-GPU Gemini graphics card delay

by on23 December 2015


Wants to align it with VR headsets

We already wrote that AMD has delayed its dual-GPU Fiji-based graphics card, codename Gemini, from its earlier late 2015 launch date, AMD has now confirmed it, adding VR headsets late launch as the reason behind the delay.

As you already know, AMD has originally scheduled the launch for its dual-GPU Gemini graphics card for late 2015 but has decided to delay it. We already wrote about the delay earlier and back then we heard that there are several factors that caused the delay. One of those reasons is that AMD did not want to put any pressure on the Radeon Fury and Fury X Christmas sales as it would cause a price drop. Another reason was the software part as it is quite hard to make a dual-GPU graphics card to scale well.

Today, AMD has confirmed the delay to a couple of sites, including Anandtech.com, where the company added yet another reason for the delay. We always knew that AMD targets VR-gaming with its upcoming dual-GPU graphics card with two Fiji GPUs and 8GB of HBM, and it simply makes sense that the company has decided to postpone the launch until VR headsets, like Oculus Rift and HTC Vive are available.

AMD also noted that it has already shipped working samples of Fiji Gemini to varius B2B customers and that initial reaction is very positive. One of those customers is the head at DICE, Johan Andersson, who already teased the Gemini at its Twitter profile. 

"The product schedule for Fiji Gemini had initially been aligned with consumer HMD availability, which had been scheduled for Q415 back in June.  Due to some delays in overall VR ecosystem readiness, HMDs are now expected to be available to consumers by early Q216.  To ensure the optimal VR experience, we’re adjusting the Fiji Gemini launch schedule to better align with the market.
Working samples of Fiji Gemini have shipped to a variety of B2B customers in Q415, and initial customer reaction has been very positive."
 

While it might be delayed, we are quite sure that AMD will not miss a chance to show it off at CES 2016 show, which kicks off on January 6th, and it will most likely be a part of some Oculus Rift demo. The official launch, however, might come at a later date as we still do not have precise dates for the launch of the Oculus Rift or the HTC Vive. Oculus has announced that it will open pre-orders early next year and that the headset is still on track to launch in Q1 2016 while April was mentioned as the possible date for the HTC Vive launch.

In any case, the 2016 will be the year for virtual reality and AMD has a graphics card ready for it. 

Last modified on 23 December 2015
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