G71 ready for release sooner than expected

[maverik-sg1]

Copied from anotehr website - no link this was the info I got:

At first we thought that G71 is for mid range segment to replace 6600 series but it turned out otherwise. The secret weapon for NVIDIA against ATi's R520 is actually G71, the successor to the current G70. XXXXXXXX has learned that G71 is based on a finer 90nm process technology at TSMC like the R520. NVIDIA is likely to make a switch when the process technology is more mature like towards end of the year. No doubt, the core frequency can be clocked higher on finer process. However, we can't rule out the possibility of releasing 7800Ultra on the 90nm G71 core when R520 launched since volume production are not expected for such a high-end GPU.

Nice eh?

Could be donning on the boots of benching sooner than expected!!

The Coach

 

[Alanore]

The G71 aka RSX, its the new graphics card for the Playstation 3. I quess it must clock quite well if the 110nm process is anything to go buy for the NV70

 

[stocky]

Hmmm... the battle between ATi and nVIDIA continues!

Very interesting watching the two company's compete!

 

[Master_G]

Is it me or is this just putting a core name to what we already knew was going to happen, ie Nvidia releasing an Ultra 7800 once ATI have shown their hand with the R520.

I think Nvidia are boxing very clever here, the release of the 7800GTX allows them to dominate the top end of the market for most of the summer and they can get Ultra money for what is essentially going to be GT cards in the end. This allows them domination of the market while they work on their counter to ATI's R520. Means they are guaranteed plenty of revenue while they work on the 90nm process (which apparently ATI is having problems with, hence the delay of the R520)

Still could be that the R520 is still better than anything Nvidia are working on in response.

As always with these things we will just have to wait and see.

G

 

[gamesaregood]

I think your right Master_G but did we know it was going to be 90nm process?

I didn't anyway (Maybe i missed it). I would have thought that 90nm should leave us a bigger room for overclocking on the core as well i also can't see the stock being slow ...

It can only be a good thing

Michael

 

[Master_G]

Wasnt it common knowledge that it was likely to be 90nm or am i making that up? I thought it was quite well known because the 110nm GTX could act as a stop gap to corner the market while Nvidia sort out the 90nm process.

I wouldnt bet too much on the 90nm allowing for higher clocks, it could do, but there are reported leakage problems so it may not be until the next generation that we see the full benefit of the 90nm tech. Dont think they will manage to screw up the 90nm process as royally as intel did though.

G

 

[Alanore]

Take it that there not bothering with the SOI technology, like AMD, that allows them to clock higher, by reducing capacitance, and for some reason makes the 90nm migration easier for them.

Its still early doors for the G71 so problems with the FAB at this stage is really to be expected. The G71 will have the same problem as the R520, as they're prority is the consoles they are supplying. So most of the production will go towards them.

 

[maverik-sg1]

The great thing about all of this of course is both ATI and NVIDIA are being supplied chips by the same manufacturer TMSD, Maybe Nvidia had ATI iron out all the bugs on 90nm process which by TMSD's on admition is a new process for them.

I would find it difficult to even believe that R520 is soooooo much better than the G71, lets say for example clocks start at 525Mhz and memory at 1400 (which is the top end of the 110nm process) 9k in 05 with one card is attainable with the GTX so it should be the case that the 90nm ultra can at least do the same, we don't know but must assume that 32pipes wil be there too which will provide enough umph to reach 10k with one card.

Then of course we revert back to my other argument that CPU limits performance - so until the physics chip is out in December and dual core software suuport is rife (July06 onwwards) we dont relly know how fast the GTX's really are.

Either way Nvidia have done a great job with the GTX - not without it's niggles, but lets face it - with performance this good...... who cares!!

Mav's Final Prediction:

R520 and R580 will be ultra-quick

G71 will be ultra quick

Crossfire will be as quick as sli and will work in 95% of games (although all new games are SLI ready and old games dont need SLI / XFIRE).

Most people with SLI ready boards or SLI systems will not see enough value in switching (it's that close)

MAV's FINAL THOUGHTS:

Nvidia having already sold over 3 million SLI boards and god knows how many graphics cards have a massive head start - this means a 3 million captive audience for easy upgrade without replacing the MOBO.

Even in the 'used sector' SLI and 6800GT's are dominating sales - not forgetting all the OEM's that are now offering 7800's and SLI systems (and are contracted to do so until at least October) so the market for ATI is shrinking evermore before they have even released a product.

R520 or R580 would have to be REALLY special to make any sort of impact at this point in time which, quite frankly, I feel it will offer an equivalent performance at an equivalent price and will therefore offer an option to those not already seduced by the light side of the force.

Having said all that if it's faster or has a built in physics chip I'll be the first in line!!

Take care of yourselves...... and each other!!

THE COACH

 

[fatty]

So the big question is when is the G71 comming out and when will you be upgrading Mav??

 

[Phil Stanbridge]

That is interesting news thanks mav.. I will be using a laptop from now on regardless, but this tech tree is changing rapidly.

 

[maverik-sg1]

Thanks Phil - Does this news get me an extra star or two??

LOL @ Fatty - u know me too well already!!

I think they are ready to release now although they will rely on 7800 sales until r520 is released - I guess we are looking at short supply a week after R520 release and general supply 4 weeks later, around September if all teh rumours are coorect about r520's new release date fo August (subject to availability).

Having just splashed out on a 24" TFT I am a bit skint, but looks like I should get good commision is September..........

I'd love a chiily 1 but I use my PC 24/7 and overnight it's not under load - plus if it were under load I'd be looking a whoppin leccie bill!!

Roll on Chilly1 with 24/7 no load useage!!

Mav

 

[Master_G]

Slightly OT but is anyone else really not looking forward to the release of this physics chip, i just see it as an extra expense on stuff that already costs an arm and a leg as it is.

G

 

[nick25]

I think its just getting rediculous. I HAVE to stop spending money and these new things aren't helping

How much we talking for one of these physics thingys? £300 odd? What do they actually do?

 

[fatty]

Chilly1 units can run 24/7 as long as you insulate properly

The physics chips as far as I know take away the bottle neck from your cpu making the cards more efficient

 

[K404]

Is the physics chip gonna be a one-off, or will we need to upgrade those every 6 months as well? If they could do one release, with the whole of Physics on it, that would be ok. Or are they gonna make it like school and start with the basics of some sections, then add new bits and expand on the equations as revisions go by? Or have I missed how and why they are making these chips anyway?

Kenny

 

[maverik-sg1]

Physics chips from ASUS will be £200 with 128MB RAM on board.

Of course being a card - one can only assume they are upgradeable - how oftern is a different story.

Really IMHO the chip should be onboard the MOBO the at least offer some sort of longevity (at least as long as the board).

The Coach

 

[maverik-sg1]

@ Fatty the balance for me is how much insulation are we talking about for 24/7, I'm reluctant to slap dilectric grease or seal string everywhere - would I need more than what the chilly 1 is supplied with?

The Coach