Monday, June 11th 2007
GDDR4 HD 2900 on the way
Although this was posted in the forums a couple of days ago, there is now some more official news of the first ATI HD 2900 XT using GDDR4 memory that will be available for retail, as well as a few more places to purchase it. The card will initially be exclusively available from Diamond Multimedia, featuring 1GB of GDDR4 memory along with all the other 2900 perks such as built in HDMI and 5.1 surround sound. The card will officially be launched on 14th June, and the current list of retailers is as follows: Biohazard Computer Systems, Extreme PC, Falcon North West, Maingear, Memory Express, NCIX, Smooth Creations, Velocity Micro, Vigor Gaming, XI, ABS, Cyberpowerpc, Polywell, ibuypower and Canada Computers. Pricing is generally around $650, and most of those sites should accept pre-orders. Presumably this is essentially the HD 2900 XTX, as that was originally going to be the 2900 with GDDR4 memory, however the name is still XT - perhaps ATI has more to come in the HD 2900 series? At present this should be the most powerful ATI card.
Source:
DragonSteelMods
52 Comments on GDDR4 HD 2900 on the way
Much performance difference?
I agree with Mandelore, that if it spars well with the ultra, then fine, but still, its not worth it at that price. ATI should have brought it in at around $500 USD at most. Then it would definately take a nice share away from NV. I honestly dont think these graphics card companies are paying attention to the consumers or what they want and what they can afford. I cant just go plop down 500 hard ones for a card no matter how bad I want it. I know there are some out there who can and Im happy for them. However, they need to offer great products for a great value and a cramped up card isnt worth the money they charge.
On the other hand the 8800ULTRA gets plenty more mhz when OCed :
" The 8800 Ultra at standard at 612 / 1500 / 2160 clocks (core / shaders / memory). But there's definitely room for some more. The card can be pushed towards a core frequency of 690 MHz, the memory at 2500 (2x1250) MHz and the Shaders at 1728 MHz."
ATI has infact lost the fight ( for now ) since i doubt they can bring something else soon enough in the game which can deliver a 30-40% punch more than the X2900XT in order to beat the 8800GTX and the 8800ULTRA.
@HellasVagabond: where is it the 8800GTS kicked the HD2900XT's butt in every game? From the reviews and benches Ive seen, the 2900XT battled the 8800GTS well and won about most benches and also even took a few from the 8800GTX (I think like 1 or 2). Its on the TPU forums somewhere. But seriously, where did ya get that? (In no way am I trying to be mean or start an arguement, Im just curious as it contradicts everything Ive read and seen. A link would be great! :P )
techreport.com/reviews/2007q2/radeon-hd-2900xt/index.x?pg=14
Most of the review are with the first driver right now. Things will get better as more drivers are release. Also i remember reading hell of thread for months how the 8800 drivers sucked ass, so it's not just ATi that did that.
forums.techpowerup.com/showthread.php?t=30179
We are up to 7.5 now.