Matrox G450 DDR=64bit, SDR?=128bit? Why would Matrox bother?

[rockhard]

Im thinking of getting one of these cards and have seen a SDR version thats really cheap for a dual-head card
I know the DDR is 64 bit, but cannot find any info as to whether the SDR version is also 64 bit.

Im hoping that the SDR will be 128bit as it would fit my needs for the price.

If anyone can clarify this for me would be a great help,

rockhard =)

 

[chewie1]

its 128 bit.

 

[xtreme2k]

I got a feeling that the SDR is NOT 128bit.

If they make a DDR that is 64bit, and a SDR that is 128bit
WHAT IS THE FREAKIN POINT of that?
you tell me.

 

[rockhard]

I was thinking with ram prices being so low at the moment that maybe it is 128 bit.

Here in the UK the 16mb SDR is £58, 16mb DDR is £79.

Ive looked on Matrox's web site but zilch ?

Heh, this card is looking like a bargain

 

[xtreme2k]

Seriously I dont think it will be 128bit SDR

it just doesnt make sense to remake 2. One using 128bit data path while the 64bit DDR will perform very similar to it.

 

[Aboroth]

Actually, the SDR version IS 128 bit.
Let me go find the evidence, just a sec...

OK, here, in an Anandtech article on page 2, about in the middle.

 

[nortexoid]

yes, it's 128-bit....

 

[xtreme2k]

Aboroth

since when did Anand say the SDR version is 128bit? you read that page carefully yourself again.

Look at this
http://www.matrox.com/mga/products/tech_info/pdfs/g450/fact_sheet.pdf
and
http://www.matrox.com/mga/products/tech_info/pdfs/mill_g450/feature_benefit.pdf
the memory interface is being 64bit DDR

how do u jam 128bit into a 64bit DDR interface? you tell me

 

[hominid skull]

Oopps, i'll find the link again..

 

[xtreme2k]

hominid skull

holy sh!t
since WHERE does it say it has 128bit SDR on the G450 on that matrox homepage
you guys are really getting blind


anyway
read this

http://www.tweak3d.net/reviews/matrox/millg450/2.shtml
64-bit DDR/SDR external bus to frame buffer memory

 

[rockhard]

Ive looked at Anand's article and it only mentions "128 bit" in reference to the older G400

Theres no reference to "128 bit SDR" as far as i can see on Matrox's site either?

hmmm?

Just d'loaded the .pdf. Will have a look there

 

[xtreme2k]

You guys dont understand

The reason for making the G450 is that it uses a 64bit memory bus reduce the pin count and simplify the board design , reducing overall cost.
Why would Matrox suddenly break this rule(the whole point being cost saving of making the G450 in the first place) and increase interface back to 128bit, increasing point count and complicating the board design. Why not just use the G400?

 

[xtreme2k]

I can bet everything that this is gona be a 64bit SDR

 

[xtreme2k]

well one more link from me
http://www.tomshardware.com/graphic/00q4/001208/g450-02.html

Memory interface: 64BIT

still dont get it?

 

[rockhard]

xtreme2k - Im leaning towards feeling ur probably right as i seem to remember that one of the changes for the G450 from the G400 was going from a 6-layer PCB to a 4-layer to lower production costs. This was one of the reasons they went to 64 bit also. Also this change to 4-layer PCB forced them to change to 64bit as 128bit not feasible on a 4-layer PCB yeah?

 

[Czar]

Here is how it is

G400 - 128bit Dualbus
G450 - 64bit DDR Dualbus

Same bandwith but alot of money saving for Matrox and the buyers.

 

[rockhard]

I wonder how the G450LE (16mb SDR) will compare in performance tho'?

 

[xtreme2k]

I am not too sure how many layer of PCB the G400/450 uses but I can tell you this.

If you use 128bit SDR vs 64bit DDR, the performance is VERY SIMILAR it is NOT WORTH the hassle of producing these 2 boards on 2 manufactoring pipelines. Also, the 128bit SDR is so much more expensive to produce due to the added pin counts in the interface and the board design complexity. There is ABSOLUTELY NO reason to go 128bit SDR when you have a perfect product that is the same speed ready using 64bit DDR.

 

[xtreme2k]

- If using 128bit SDR instead of 64bit DDR, the CORE and the Board will need to have extensive modification/redesign that is not worth the hassle, might as well just use the G400 then.

- The SDR is considered an OEM product, and OEM products are supposed to be the cheapest available. It actually make sense for Matrox to produce 64bit SDR card for the office-use since 64bit SDR is PERFECTLY fine for 2D Office use and picture quality stays the same.

- In thoery, 128bit SDR will out perform 64bit DDR due to the fact DDR is not 100% efficient. Why would Matrox product an OEM product that outperform their own retail product. This just does not make sense.

 

[rockhard]

xtreme2k - What u saying means i wont be playing Falcon 4 @ 800x600x16 yeah?

G400 16mb SDR be a better bet?

 

[xtreme2k]

yah
go with a G400/16MB

they should be damn cheap now

 

[rockhard]

thanx xtreme2k

should have known it'd be too good to be true with the G450
heh, sometimes i need someone to bring my feet back to the ground

time to go a hunting for a cheap G400

regards,

rockhard =)

 

[hominid skull]

OK xtreme2k, the G450 SDR is a 64Bit bus, I couldn't believe it because that will give it roughly half the memory bandwidth of the G400.

rockhard, DO NOT GET THE G450 LE, i have the G400 and that's slow by todays standards so the G450 LE must really suck..

 

[rockhard]

<< rockhard, DO NOT GET THE G450 LE, i have the G400 and that's slow by todays standards so the G450 LE must really suck.. >>



no worrys, firmly wiped off my shopping list

looking like that G450LE is lining up as a G200 replacement in the not too distant future IMO

 

[Bartman]

wow.. even my old TNT has 16meg or ram with a 128bit bus.