New news about ATI R600

[Your_Boss]

ZOMG, so it IS true!!!! I knew it.

[nn_step]

Wait, is this the X2800EKAF version?

If I had to guess based on that article, I would have to say it is the Uber1337MeGaZuperAzzemo9000000000

[3NZ0]

i call

[Starscream]

They get a lot of technical information wrong too, and like others have said earlier, the numbers for the other cards look very off.

People just like to jump on the first numbers that come out, doesn't matter from where. To demonstrate how easy it is to convincingly fake performance numbers, take a look at something I whipped up... (watch it end up on Inq tomorrow)

i didnt even go and fully read the tech data or compaire the x1950 and 8800 scores he had with that of other reviews.

it is simply the mix of unknown hardware site with a load of google adds and a site that looks more like a blog.

also wierd that i cant find a single other review on the site.

so ya maybe its real and the guy simply wants to keep his name safe (nda) but maybe its just a trick to get cash cause just think of the traffic hes getting and the amount of adds.

i nvr trust info if i dont trust the one that it is coming from. if this info however came from a site i trust or a forum member i trust it would b a lil more believable.

[turtle]

I'm staking no claim to how legit this article is, but the numbers do seem real enough, granted some numbers from released cards look screwy. As someone else mentioned, before R520 there were some (one that was incredibly notable) fake previews...So who knows. GDDR3 then GDDR4 does sound realistic, more-so than Hexus' statement about GDDR4 first, with the GDDR3 XL to follow a month or two later. While it's all conjecture, at least the wheels are finally turning in the process leading to release.

Thought I'd point this out guys...

Support for DX10.1 draft?

We all know this by now, but in case you don't let me give you a refresher course. Microsoft stated you either 100% match DX10 specifications(this includes all updates) or your card is marked by dx as not compatible... This means ATi is banking on what they expect to be DX10.1 to actually be it to a T.

With all due love and respect, let me say it again: DX10.1 spec is finalized, and has been for a long time. When looking back on what ATi wanted in DX10, they mention many aspects that will be supported in DX10.1, some of which (like 4x AA) is already seen on a certain gaming console made by the same company whom creates DX that uses a gfx chip by the aforementioned, so I don't doubt they had some hand in influencing the spec and could have early support for it. The article, FWIW, states it supports DX10.1:

DirectX9 is the most common graphics API used in game development today. It will be updated with the release of Windows Vista to DirectX 10, which is already supported including the upcoming DirectX10.1 draft on the ATI R600 hardware.

Draft = version/revision. 10.1 is an updated draft of DX10, and there will undoubtedly be DX10.2 or 10.1a. While it may not be the best verbiage (verbage perhaps in this case) on the author's part, it should not be mistaken for partially supporting dx10.1, as obviously that's a big nono. He's saying it will, granted he may be full of poo and just reaping a bundle of money on adsense.

[w0mbat]

There´s ad on this page? Oh, damm AdBlock Plus

[Helmore]

There´s ad on this page? Oh, damm AdBlock Plus

Sorry I can't see what you are saying, I think it's my ad blocker

[XSAlliN]

yea, but some ppl need to play oblivion now lol.

You can do that whit X1600Pro.

With all due love and respect, let me say it again: DX10.1 spec is finalized, and has been for a long time. When looking back on what ATi wanted in DX10, they mention many aspects that will be supported in DX10.1, some of which (like 4x AA) is already seen on a certain console made by the same company whom creates DX with a chip by the aforementioned, so I don't doubt they had some hand in influencing the spec and could have early support for it. The article, FWIW, states it supports DX10.1:

I doubt that, are you saying that M$ cheated on nVidia whit ATi? - those consoles don't go by the same DX that you see on a PC (No WinVista OS there), you might have seen some specifications related to DX10.1 - that could be true since M$ released a brief on their project, but you won't see the full specifications - it needs more brushing, if not in Q2 maybe in Q3 or even Q4 - you see how things or moving whit Win Vista, on the other hand we might see some DX10.1 specifications included in DX10, just as DX9 releases a new Build each month (DX9c November, October, December).

[Ubermann]

OT maybe but is it 100% sure that DX10.1 needs need hardware ?

[perry_78]

As I stated before, the ads are numerous

[nn_step]

I doubt that, are you saying that M$ cheated on nVidia whit ATi? - those consoles don't go by the same DX that you see on a PC (No WinVista OS there), you might have seen some specifications related to DX10.1 - that could be true since M$ released a brief on their project, but you won't see the full specifications - it needs more brushing, if not in Q2 maybe in Q3 or even Q4 - you see how things or moving whit Win Vista, on the other hand we might see some DX10.1 specifications included in DX10, just as DX9 releases a new Build each month (DX9c November, October, December).

They have done it before (9700 remember?) ATi has long had good business Ties with M$, so it would make sense for M$ to favor them.

[Qkjhfhaiguihfma]

[url]* Hardware support for GPU clustering (any x^2 number, not limited to Dual or Quad-GPU)

2 isn't a square; this should says 2^n not x^2.

[turtle]

You're right, consoles do not use the same form of DX, but who wants to bet the API for XBOX360 uses some features that will be found in dx10.1? 4x AA is implemented on all games, just like the spec for dx10.1. True enough it's dx9-based, but I digress.

I'm not saying they're in bed with them. I'm saying there is features used in Xenos that will become spec for DX10.1. Perhaps it just a huge coincidence...

Wavey has mentioned numerous times when discussing this topic that support for something does not mean it needs to be implemented the same way on all products. What I took that to mean is if M$ has set requirements for DX10.1 (which they have), it can be supported pre-release if they plan for the specs.

It's not unheard of for features to be supported before final release of an API. Doesn't anyone remember the 9700pro coming out BEFORE dx9? 9700pro was in August 02, DX9 was December 02. That's a 4 months gap, probably less than 10->10.1, and a much more difficult switch...But the same type of deal. If the requirements are set, the IHV's can support the features. The API is created to use those features.

As for DX10.1 being a part of DX10 initial release or quickly afterwards (or not), any of those are surely possible. Like I've said before, last I heard from MS is that they planned to get it out the door PDQ after DX10, but of course things change.

EDIT: Yes dx10.1 needs hardware, as it has to support WDDM 2.1 (context switching and page fault improvement), and such over dx10. It could be done through the driver if the GPU is able, but it has to be something considered when designing the GPU. A lot of the spec does seem essentially to make the API easier and more efficient to use rather than actual new features, but there are a couple of additions that require the hardware to be improved design-wise over what is acceptable for DX10. At least, it looks that way to me. This article is still a good source of information.

..and for once, I agree with nn_step.

[Kingcarcas]

Always best to buy the refresh of a new GPU. Look at the x1950xt

Next fall will be the time to buy a new card.

Indeed, gotta love it if you're a cheap gamer (Although the $200 7950GT is tempting)

[Gnome]

can anyone tell when that NDA expires ?

[AbelJemka]

http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=5524
Seems DailyTech contacted site owner so numbers might be good.

[nn_step]

Indeed, gotta love it if you're a cheap gamer (Although the $200 7950GT is tempting)

hmm I'm a little more tempted by the $145 x1900GT or the $199 X1900XT, esp once you take in the F@H scores and the benefit that it can do

[dejavuxx]

That is if this article had any hint of legitimacy.

That is correct, that is if (which i doubt very much) this article is any much more than a hoax to get ppl all worked up for this card which (mark my words wont surpass G80 in dx9 benches) to stop buyin g80 and to hold out till Q1 -jan -feb.
Also if u hav a g80, do u hav a fully compatible drivers for this monster? cuz if u do send me a link as i asure u that g80 is also kind-of currently in the present stage as R600 is in, much even to think of vista and dx10 benches. For the reputation ATI/AMD has i think u'll be in a 6-10 month wait for a mature drivers!!! so go ahead get ur R600 and watch current and refresh g80 kill that sun of a gun!!! G80 rocks!!!

[turtle]

Indeed, gotta love it if you're a cheap gamer (Although the $200 7950GT is tempting)

Indeed².

I'm hoping rv660/670 actually hit in the summer, and don't get delayed like the former gen refresh. Here's hoping rv610/rv630 come out without problems, as they'll prolly weave the tale of how ATi transitions to 65nm...and something I can actually see myself buying.

Here's hoping the cheap(er) high-end cards in the fall still have enough bang to power 1600x1200 (1680x1050) on whatever is out around then, and daamit, they better have GDDR4.

Come to think of it...That's a whole lot of hoping.

[highoctane]

http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=5524
Seems DailyTech contacted site owner so numbers might be good.

Well it would seem the results are likely bias'd, we'll just have to wait and see I guess.

"If Level505's comments seem a little too pro-ATI, don't be too surprised. When asked if the site was affiliated in any way to ATI or AMD, the owner replied to DailyTech with the statement that "two staff members of ours are directly affiliated with AMD's business [development] division."

[grimREEFER]

Indeed, gotta love it if you're a cheap gamer (Although the $200 7950GT is tempting)

yea, i wonder how long till one of those happens again...maybe the 8800gt will prove to be somewhat of a bargain

[flopper]

Well, the guy updated the webpage about those numbers and autencity.
http://level505.com/2006/12/30/the-full-ati-r600-test/

Its on the first page.

Real of fake, time will tell.

[couppi]

We are not publishing pictures of the card itself right now, as the card contains major ID tags that we can not remove yet for source protection

That's why Bill Gates gave us the gift of Paint.

[CedricFP]

Fancy that. Site is down now.

[nn_step]

and the site is down, very questionably early