Faster ATI 9700 Coming?

[sbp]

http://www.nvmax.com/#1032537674

Word came in from an anon emailer that has relations with some ATI folk that ATI will introduce a faster version of its 9700 chipset sometime around January.

Because TMSC has switched wafers to .13 micron ATI will be able to ramp up the clocks and use faster memory to cut short NVIDIA's NV30 right at launch. The emailer said ATI folk sounded 'optimistic' about this new version being as fast as NV30.

ATI already have the R300 core rolling so will be little design overhead where-as NVIDIA are busy trying to be in time for the Christmas rush.

[spigidygak]

Yeah I bet it'll be close to the speed of the nv30 but no where near it. They'll probably just do it to look competitive and follow up 3 months later with the faster chip.

[Ladogaboy]

Originally posted by spigidygak
Yeah I bet it'll be close to the speed of the nv30 but no where near it. They'll probably just do it to look competitive and follow up 3 months later with the faster chip.

Yeah, but I seem to remember hearing the same thing about the 9700 not being able to hang with the G4s not too long ago. If ATI can get their act together, they can put a lot of pressure on NVidia... In a way, they already have. When was the last time NVidia didn't have the fastest card on the market?

[sbp]

Interesting bit of news if true. It'll also be interesting to see if the R350 is .15 micron as its been said before or .13 micron. Apparently the .15 micron process still has some headroom left.

ATI continues to take it to Nvidia. Funny how the positions are now reversed.
"bottom rail now on top, boss"

[xsiled2]

Originally posted by Ladogaboy
When was the last time NVidia didn't have the fastest card on the market?

when the 8500 came out.

[Ladogaboy]

Originally posted by xsiled2


when the 8500 came out.

No, but there were some questions about the benchmarking results and drivers, or atleast the NVidia Fanboi Club seemed to think so. The 9700 is kind of the undisputed, fastest videocard on the market.

[sbp]

http://www.anandtech.com/showdoc.html?i=1558
The 8500 was the most feature rich card when it came out but not the fastest. The Radeon 8500 was launched with half-baked drivers and a prominent feature, SMOOTHVISION anti-aliasing, was missing. Over time ATI tuned up the drivers so the 8500 reached its potential, but by then the damage had been done.

ATI has taken heed of what happened and launched the 9700 with good drivers.

[SonyGuy]

I have always been prone to purchase Nvidia products but I like both ATI and Nvidia since they are in constant competition it's motivation for both of them to try and make some decent cards. I'd be happy with a 9700 or a gf4 myself. So yeah I like 'em both.