X1600 gets its 256-bit bus

[chilled]

So ATI have finally realised that their X1600 is not doing so well at the price point. So the new MRSP for the XT is $/Euro 179.

It also comes with a 256 bit bus, so those who bought the 128bit bus at current prices will be annoyed! Yay for competition though as this shouldn't suck as much.

http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=28339

 

[A554SS1N]

256-bit bus! I hope 7600 has that!!!!

But I think the inquirer has got it wrong though - remember ring bus on X1800 is 512 bit and acual bus is 256. Ring bus is 256-bit on X1600, but actual is 128-bit - so there's no problem with existing cards.

 

[Wentelteefje]

Yes! That's some good news... :thumbsup: I always wanted to have a X1600XT (it seemed like a pretty good card), but I hated it how it was crippled by the 128-bit memory bus...

 

[L00PY]

Are you sure the Inq didn't get it wrong and there really isn't any new info in that press release?

From a Sept AnandTech article:
X1600 is very similar to X1800 with respect to features, although there will be different clocks and pipelines. The roadmap lists a 256-bit internal ring bus, whereas the X1800 models will have a 512-bit bus instead. The external memory bus will be half as wide as well: 128-bits vs. 256-bits.

 

[Killrose]

With a 256bit mem ring bus tech, this will destroy evrything nVidia has below a 7800GT, especially if it uses the programable controller tech of the X1800 series.

If it is only a 128bit mem bus with a 256bit ring bus, it will help the X1600XT but certainly won't be the Cats Meow that a 256bit mem bus part would be.

 

[crazydingo]

Originally posted by: A554SS1N
256-bit bus! I hope 7600 has that!!!!

Sadly no.

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=31&threadid=1730369&enterthread=y

 

[nts]

The Inquirer has it wrong (again). The internal "ring bus" is 256-bit but the external is still 128 bit.

btw the main limiting factor is the number of TMUs (only 4), so extra bandwidth wouldn't help in this case.

 

[chilled]

Originally posted by: nts
The Inquirer has it wrong (again). The internal "ring bus" is 256-bit but the external is still 128 bit.

btw the main limiting factor is the number of TMUs (only 4), so extra bandwidth wouldn't help in this case.

After some time to reflect, I think I would agree.