Any idea when we'll get those 512MB cards?

[Insomniak]

I seem to recall both ATi and Nvidia promising us 512MB graphics cards by the end of the year. That gives them about a month and a half. Are they welching on us?

Then again, this is from the same companies that told us we would be able to buy a 6800Ultra/X800XT this year too...

 

[Xed]

I would guess spring refresh. X800xt's are around somewhat finally. Have yet to see many ultra's tho =(

 

[Megatomic]

Wow, I just got a 256MB card and people are already ready for 512MB? 😱

 

[kogase]

No. They're not.

 

[SonicIce]

R500/NV50 will probably have a few 512 cards as well as some 256 ones.

 

[RussianSensation]

I thought the winter refresh in December was going to introduce 512mb, but so far this doesn't seem to be the case for ATI at least.

R480 and SLI details emerge

Summary of R480 Winter refresh:
- PCIe ONLY (for now)
- all cards 256mb, no 512mb cards (for now)

3 versions:

R480 XT PE = 16 PP = 540/1180
R480 XT = 16 PP = 520/1080 (slower than X800XT PE)
R480 Pro = 12 PP = 520/1080

As far as the first 2 cards are concerned, R480 is disappointing to say the least, since its actually slower than X800XT PE. 480XTPE is also disappointing since recall: 9700 Pro 325/620 => 380/680 (much larger performance improvement % wise, same for 5900 Ultra => 5950 Ultra)

Last card is nothing to get excited about either. From this review you can somewhat extrapolate its performance:

PowerColor RADEON X800 PRO Graphics Card: Modification, Extreme Overclocking and a Duel against Leadtek GeForce 6800 GT Conclusion: 6800Gt still appears to be a better value.

Hopefully availability will be resolved at least. Waiting for something more exciting on Nvidia's end.

 

[VIAN]

The R500 is most likely gonna have 512 by default as it's rummored to have an insane amount of bandwidth which is 76GBps, compared to the current figure of 38GBps.