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Apparently the chips are currently in the oven at TSMC. According to Charlie D, this works out as being (best case) 1st Feb for the launch to the consumer using "risk wafers" and 1st Mar for a reasonable supply to occur from the 1st real batch. Based on his recent track record of getting things right, I'm inclined to agree.
Anyway, full article here..
I wonder how it will compare to the rumoured HD5890, supposedly available at the same time?
Two things about that article:Quote:
Originally Posted by GheeTsar
1. I can't remember Charlie writing an article this well, ever. It's like the ghosts of Christmas appeared to him and said "Charlie, you're supposed to be a journalist. Write the news in an unbiased, dispassionate manner.". Well done Charlie.
2. Charlie doesn't have a good track record lately, or at any time, for accuracy. He said there could be no GT200 multi gpu. He said GT200s couldn't be offered at competitive prices. Long ago he said NVIDIA was leaving the motherboard business altogether, and while years later that kind of happened, they still make Ion boards and are awaiting ruling in their court case with Intel. (which wasn't on the radar then) He said various companies were dumping NVIDIA and they still make cards for NVIDIA. He said the 8800GTX would have an external power brick. He said there would be widespread G90 desktop failures and there weren't. He said the laptop failures would bankrupt NVIDIA and last I heard they hadn't even had to spend the $200m they put aside for them. He said Apple was dumping NVIDIA and they didn't.
In short, the vast majority of doom Charlie predicts for NVIDIA never comes to pass and they keep rolling along. This article looks pretty plausible to me though, I wouldn't be surprised if it were true. JHH said production of Fermi ramps up in Q1, this is in line with what Charlie said.
As far as how it will compare goes:
Does it really matter? 99% of the people have 19X12 or below monitors. Let's say hypothetically the 5890 and Fermi both run "Hot Holiday Game X" at 100fps average at 19X12 4X16X, but Fermi gives users the ability to run it at the same settings at 50fps average with PhysX effects on, and the ability to upgrade to a 24" 3d Vision monitor that offers ultra smooth 120Hz refresh, and 50-60fps at true 3d.
Which card do you think consumers will want? The one that gives them comparable performance and only one way to play? Or the one that gives them comparable performance and two additional ways to significantly increase immersion? That is what ATi is facing.
TBH,cost is going to be an important factor. I am still interested to hear what cards are going to be replacing the 9800GT,GTS250 and GTX260 in the Nvidia line-up.Quote:
Originally Posted by GheeTsar