Some questions concerning Unified architechture

[entropy1982]

So I was pretty set on purchasing either the x1800xt or the 7800 ultra when it comes out, however now I hear people talking about this new "unified architechture."

1. Can someone tell me basically what this is?
2. I was planning on not buying a new card for at least two years if I will shell out ~ $550 now, but with this unified stuff (whatever it is), is it worth just getting a 7800GT and buying a new generation card within a year and a half or so?

I guess the answer to question 2 depends on what this "unified architechture" is and how it will affect what the card does.

Thanks for any help

 

[xtknight]

I wouldn't worry about it so much to affect your buying decision today...but in the near future you may want it. I'm not sure how it's implemented and everything, but essentially the pixel and vertex shaders combine to form a unified shader, and that's about as much as I know about it. I think if you have a card that still has them separate (like the 7800 and probably R520), then you can still play games in the future when unified cards are widespread, but don't quote me on it.

 

[entropy1982]

I see... hmmm any other opinions on this?

 

[M0RPH]

Some reading here and here.

 

[entropy1982]

Originally posted by: M0RPH
Some reading here and here.

hmm, thanks .... so should i not buy 7800 ultra when it comes?

 

[M0RPH]

I'd say get yourself a 7800GT (or X1800XL) and save your money for the DX10 generation cards like G80 or R600.

 

[KeepItRed]

Isn't Direct X software? I didn't know it was built into the card.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: KeepItRed
Isn't Direct X software? I didn't know it was built into the card.

Direct3D, which is part of DirectX, has support in the video card. That's how the video card renders the scenes. It takes Direct3D commands and converts them to 2D to display on a monitor.