ATi to clean up?

Zardon · Feb 5, 2003, 07:03 PM

With the rumours flying around at the minute regarding the possible chop for the Nvidia FX after 100,000 units, ATI are set to release the R350 in the coming months.

This chip is expected to run 20% faster than the current 9700 pro flagship, perhaps even 30%. There has been much talk recently of the new core speed and various debates regarding this, personally I would expect this in the region of 375-400 mhz. But regardless of the final core speed, anywhere in that region would put it quite comfortably ahead of nvidia's yet to be released PR nightmare FX. Perhaps the legendary Nvidia driver team can pull something back, but considering the faults the card has, from noise levels to performance issues stemming from the 128 memory bw I really cant see this happening. Especially taking into consideration the cost.

Not happy to settle for the top end of the market, ATI are also set to release an updated version of the 9000 and this is likely to be released within a similar timeframe to the mighty R350. Its worth remembering that the low end market is where all the money is made. So having a markethold in both sectors would not only have ATI with the No1 badge for performance but also gaining marketshare within the average income PC user who likes to play the occasional game.

I have to congratulate ATI, not because Driverheaven is an ATI fan site but because I feel a certain amount of credit is due to the canadian based company. In the last year not only are they delivering the goods on the hardware side, but their drivers get continually better, this is partially due to the grit and determination of the passionate Terry Makedon and in no small part coupled with the dedicated and hard working driver team. Ive had alot of positive feedback from people coming here and chatting with ATI staff members on the board, even those previously buying Nvidia based cards are now considering or making the changeover.

Whatever the outcome, you can all rest assured 2003 is going to be one exciting year !

digitalwanderer · Feb 5, 2003, 08:11 PM

...that the R350 that's coming out is based on the R300 architecture, so it'll be using them very tasty and mature Cat 3.x series drivers, which I'll gladly give a standing ovation to ATI for still.

("Hmmmm....costs less, goes faster, better IQ, better drivers; it's SO hard to decide which way to go!"

)

Rayder · Feb 5, 2003, 08:58 PM

It's about time ATI gets to wear the performance crown. They have been pounding away for a long time. Their diligence and dedication is finally starting to pay off for them. Keep it up ATI, don't ever slack off, keep putting the screws to the rest of the graphics card market. You're making us loyal fanATIcs proud!

I just wish ATI would bump up the frequecy at which they produce new drivers. They have improved to be sure, but when the latest set doesn't work out for ya, you are left wanting. Know what I mean, Vern? I'm still using the Cat2.5's because both sets of the 3.0's gave me alot of graphical anomolies (flickering textures, incorrect renderings of graphics, that sort of thing. I've listed my problems with the 3.0's in other threads)

Yep, I believe it's time for ATI to "clean up". After that "dustbuster" of a card that Nvidia just released, ATI is in a position to kick some serious buttocks.

To people using Nvidia cards, I don't hate ya for liking them over ATI. As long as we all get our fix, does it really matter which card you use? I prefer ATI, that's all.

peterosesbookie · Feb 6, 2003, 05:51 AM

I hope in the next driver release that ATi put the fix in for openGL

Feb 5, 2003, 07:03 PM	#1
Zardon DriverHeaven Founder Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 32,480 Rep Power: 179	ATi to clean up? With the rumours flying around at the minute regarding the possible chop for the Nvidia FX after 100,000 units, ATI are set to release the R350 in the coming months. This chip is expected to run 20% faster than the current 9700 pro flagship, perhaps even 30%. There has been much talk recently of the new core speed and various debates regarding this, personally I would expect this in the region of 375-400 mhz. But regardless of the final core speed, anywhere in that region would put it quite comfortably ahead of nvidia's yet to be released PR nightmare FX. Perhaps the legendary Nvidia driver team can pull something back, but considering the faults the card has, from noise levels to performance issues stemming from the 128 memory bw I really cant see this happening. Especially taking into consideration the cost. Not happy to settle for the top end of the market, ATI are also set to release an updated version of the 9000 and this is likely to be released within a similar timeframe to the mighty R350. Its worth remembering that the low end market is where all the money is made. So having a markethold in both sectors would not only have ATI with the No1 badge for performance but also gaining marketshare within the average income PC user who likes to play the occasional game. I have to congratulate ATI, not because Driverheaven is an ATI fan site but because I feel a certain amount of credit is due to the canadian based company. In the last year not only are they delivering the goods on the hardware side, but their drivers get continually better, this is partially due to the grit and determination of the passionate Terry Makedon and in no small part coupled with the dedicated and hard working driver team. Ive had alot of positive feedback from people coming here and chatting with ATI staff members on the board, even those previously buying Nvidia based cards are now considering or making the changeover. Whatever the outcome, you can all rest assured 2003 is going to be one exciting year !

Feb 5, 2003, 08:11 PM	#2
digitalwanderer Colour Commentator Join Date: May 2002 Location: Highland, IN USA Posts: 5,619 Rep Power: 0	Just to point out... ...that the R350 that's coming out is based on the R300 architecture, so it'll be using them very tasty and mature Cat 3.x series drivers, which I'll gladly give a standing ovation to ATI for still. ("Hmmmm....costs less, goes faster, better IQ, better drivers; it's SO hard to decide which way to go!" ) __________________ WTF is up with the sigs?

Feb 6, 2003, 05:51 AM	#4
peterosesbookie HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: OHIO Posts: 556 Rep Power: 0	I am glad to see the clean up I hope in the next driver release that ATi put the fix in for openGL __________________ A Cat almost always blinks when hit in the head with a ball peen hammer!

Feb 5, 2003, 08:58 PM	#3
Rayder Mostly lurking lately.... Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: U.S.A. Posts: 2,161 Rep Power: 73	It's about time ATI gets to wear the performance crown. They have been pounding away for a long time. Their diligence and dedication is finally starting to pay off for them. Keep it up ATI, don't ever slack off, keep putting the screws to the rest of the graphics card market. You're making us loyal fanATIcs proud! I just wish ATI would bump up the frequecy at which they produce new drivers. They have improved to be sure, but when the latest set doesn't work out for ya, you are left wanting. Know what I mean, Vern? I'm still using the Cat2.5's because both sets of the 3.0's gave me alot of graphical anomolies (flickering textures, incorrect renderings of graphics, that sort of thing. I've listed my problems with the 3.0's in other threads) Yep, I believe it's time for ATI to "clean up". After that "dustbuster" of a card that Nvidia just released, ATI is in a position to kick some serious buttocks. To people using Nvidia cards, I don't hate ya for liking them over ATI. As long as we all get our fix, does it really matter which card you use? I prefer ATI, that's all.