ATI to leave high-end?

[BCompDude]

Just saw at firingsquad that ATI may be getting out of the high-end market to focus on the mainstream market segment. Heres the quote: "We've also heard hints that ATI will be getting out of the high-end market to instead focus on the mainstream market." What do you think about this move (even if it is hypothetical)? And what is "mainstream"? Please do not argue, but all opinions are welcome and wanted. Have at it!

 

[Rand]

If FiringSquad is referring to high end as in high end 3D rendering graphics cards intended for CAD and the like then I very much doubt it.
They didnt purchase FireGL only to disband it the driver team, and let the technology go to waste.
Besides, they've already announced a few upcoming FireGL products.

 

[BCompDude]

 

[BFG10K]

I'm with Rand - the FireGL technology and the team behind it are unlikely to go anywhere.

 

[rockhard]

Maybe ATI are finding that the amount of people who are prepared to pay $400 for a video card is tiny compared to the number of people who pay between $100-$200.
It would make more sense to let your competitor do the $400 card mullarky, then just put out a cheaper equivelant thats slightly better when it becomes a mainstream product 6 months down the line.
If ATI have their head screwed on they will do this with the Radeon 8500 in the next 8 weeks - Start selling a .13 micron based Radeon8500 that has a higher clock and memory than the original part and can performance match the GF4Ti4200 for $200.