Eric Demeres runs
the chip design team for ATI
This is what he had to say on the subject...
"This change is for the X1K family.
The X1Ks have a new programmable memory controller and gfx subsystem mapping.
A simple set of new memory controller programs gave a huge boost to memory BW limited cases, such as AA (need to test AF).
We measured 36% performance improvements on D3 @ 4xAA/high res.
This has nothing to do with the rendering (which is identical to before).
X800's also have partially programmable MC's, so we might be able to do better there too.
Basically, discovering such a large jump, we want to revisit our previous decisions.
But It's still not optimal.
The work space we have to optimize memory settings and gfx mappings is immense.
It will take us some time to really get the performance closer to maximum.
But that's why we designed a new programmable MC.
We are only at the beginning of the tuning for the X1K's.
As well, we are determined to focus a lot more energy into OGL tuning in the coming year; shame on us for not doing it earlier."
It looks as though 2006 is shaping up to be 'fun' from the performance graphics point of view - especially if there are no more OpenGL 'gimmies' on the green
Eric's comments taken from Beyond3D