ATI's New Memory Controller

[KristopherKubicki]

Hey guys,

It looks like ATI's roadmaps differ once again, the RV530 cards have a 256-bit ring bus whereas the older roadmaps showed a 128-bit bus instead. I've also confirmed from several manufacturers that the R520 features four quads; 16 pipes.

http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=2527

Happy speculating!

Kristopher

 

[kylebisme]

Remember when ATI said the r420 had 8-extreme pipelines? Seems like they like to play pokerface in reguards to their new tech.

 

[KristopherKubicki]

I kind of think the "extreme" pipelines is all about marketing botch ups rather than pre-emptive misinformation. Just because ATI's marketing said it once, doesn't mean it's ATI's tactic. Remember, the documentation that we get is actually supposed to inform the AIB partners, not just the front page of AnandTech

Kristopher

 

[imported_Kensai]

I want a 512-bit bus.

 

[BFG10K]

If ATi finally offer some SSAA modes I'll be really interested in seeing how it performs with 512 bit memory.

 

[kylebisme]

Originally posted by: KristopherKubicki
I kind of think the "extreme" pipelines is all about marketing botch ups rather than pre-emptive misinformation. Just because ATI's marketing said it once, doesn't mean it's ATI's tactic. Remember, the documentation that we get is actually supposed to inform the AIB partners, not just the front page of AnandTech

Kristopher

Oh, no, I wasn't suggesting that we should expect more pipelines this time, but rather that along with the old info on bus widths could well have been simple disinformation tactics.

 

[KristopherKubicki]

Oh, no, I wasn't suggesting that we should expect more pipelines this time, but rather that along with the old info on bus widths could well have been simple disinformation tactics.

True true. That does make sense.

Kristopher

 

[kylebisme]

Originally posted by: BFG10K
If ATi finally offer some SSAA modes I'll be really interested in seeing how it performs with 512 bit memory.

Note that it is a ring bus so it won't be as efficent as if it were a crossbar bus like current hardware, but it should still make for a nice boost. Hopefully ATI won't slack on the memory speeds just because they have the bus width advantage like they did with the r3xx cards.

 

[trinibwoy]

Ummmm it is 512-bit internally. The interface to physical RAM is still 256-bit. Until we get more info we have no idea what this internal configuration does for performance.

 

[kylebisme]

Are you suggesting it might do something other than help?

 

[Sonikku]

Originally posted by: TheSnowman
Remember when ATI said the r420 had 8-extreme pipelines?

Remember when Intel offered a "Extreme Edition" of their products? And everyone laughed at them?

Wait, they still do...

 

[n7]

Originally posted by: Sonikku

Originally posted by: TheSnowman
Remember when ATI said the r420 had 8-extreme pipelines?

Remember when Intel offered a "Extreme Edition" of their products? And everyone laughed at them?

Wait, they still do...

:beer:

 

[KristopherKubicki]

trinibwoy: Correct, it is 512-bit internally. 256-bit to the memory; I will emphasize this.

Kristopher

 

[ronnn]

Advanced video in video out sounds interesting, but I have no use for it. Anyways looking forward to these cards. Ati has been acting more positive these days.

 

[Cookie Monster]

If ATi is using 1.26ns Samsung GDDR3 for the R520s. Can you imagine the COST of these beasts.

 

[5150Joker]

Kristopher, what about the rumored XT part that has 32 pipelines? Any truth to this? And what about the 24 pipe part?

 

[swatX]

Originally posted by: 5150Joker
Kristopher, what about the rumored XT part that has 32 pipelines? Any truth to this? And what about the 24 pipe part?

wont be released any time soon. probably late this year or early next year.

 

[otispunkmeyer]

Originally posted by: BFG10K
If ATi finally offer some SSAA modes I'll be really interested in seeing how it performs with 512 bit memory.

its 512bit internal, but still 256bit connection to the memory....i will be very interested to see how this works and the gain it provides.

 

[dug777]

i want some hard facts and a decent explanantion...all sounds very intriguing

 

[exar333]

Originally posted by: Sonikku

Originally posted by: TheSnowman
Remember when ATI said the r420 had 8-extreme pipelines?

Remember when Intel offered a "Extreme Edition" of their products? And everyone laughed at them?

Wait, they still do...

actually, u obviously dont....the 3.46EE was a VERY GOOD chip....and to be honest...that and the FX51/F3 were probably some of the best chips in the last few years to buy, they are still competitive and VERY good years later...

get ur facts straight...

 

[KeepItRed]

I think ATI just says there's 16/8 extreme for one reason. Competition. If they repeat what they did for the R420, this means the R520 could have 24/32 pipes because their definition of "extreme" could just mean doubled.

 

[Keysplayr]

Originally posted by: KeepItRed
I think ATI just says there's 16/8 extreme for one reason. Competition. If they repeat what they did for the R420, this means the R520 could have 24/32 pipes because their definition of "extreme" could just mean doubled.

I think this just means that you didn't read what Kris typed. No offense. R580 is probably what your waiting for.

 

[ddogg]

Originally posted by: KeepItRed
I think ATI just says there's 16/8 extreme for one reason. Competition. If they repeat what they did for the R420, this means the R520 could have 24/32 pipes because their definition of "extreme" could just mean doubled.

no there wont be 24/32 unless you dont mind paying $1k+ for that card.