Assuming Ati releases their version of SLi, it'll come down to G70 vs R520 architecture.
Ati has had a longer time to work on the R520, but that could be either an advantage or disadvantage... yes, they had more time to perfect it but, Nvidia had a clearer target of what to shoot for because they started designing the G70 later in the game.
As long as it's a good fight to watch I'll be happy. If one of them completely slaughters the other, it'll be pretty boring.
I dont think we could have asked for a better round this time with the NV40 and R420. Although most agree that overall the GF6 simply outclassed the X800s, esp before ATIs refresh.
It was a defining moment IMHO, everyone who had ran to the ATI camp was shocked that the domination that the 9xxx series had was no longer there. That alone was a big 'whoa', let alone SLI and DX9C.
I think the NF4, while not revolutionary, was quite the event. Seemed to bring us AMD users into the new era with PCIE, SATA and S939. I waited specifically, as many apparantly did for that guy.
I'm pretty happy with my rig now, I'm actually building a second one for my wife soon. Shes getting my 3200+ and I'm getting a new Venice core A64. I've been so happy with this DFI that I'll prob get her the Lanparty NF4 non-SLI.
I think the early lead by ATI was necessary, they need to get their DX9C support hammered out and make it faster than the NV40s or its going to be damn embarrassing. Don't laugh, it could happen. I get a kick out of everyone that everyone is assuming some major coup again by ATI... dont bet on it. I think the shock from the NV40 still didnt wear off for some.
That said, I wouldnt bet its going to flop either. I tire of the pre-release hype bonanza. Put up, or shutup.
NVs later timing with the G70 is good for them as well. I think boths positions are good for their needs.
Nvidia needed as much time as possible to implement Cell technology into the G70 (if thats what its going to be called).
I do believe that Nvidia got the <b>much</b> better deal out of consoles. Microsoft is someone you dont really want to have to work with, considering what they did to Nvidia on the Xbox.
Sony is just as big and cash plentiful, and has a WHOLE lot more fabs and hardware engineers to swap tech with Nvidia than MS.
As far as Nintendo, its nice extra income for ATI. So things are equalized in a way, depends on how the deals are hammered out between ATI/Nin/MS for price per chip and development costs ect.
From what I've read about this, sounds like Nvidia got the much better deal. The Cell fabs have no equal (co-partnered by Toshiba/Sony and some other big ones) and G70 is getting in on that action.
Of course, this is all blasphemy to an ATI devotees ears, but its the truth. The Sony catch was huge. I'm sure they are handing out cash alot more freely for development than MS the miser. And the <i>N</i>, they arent much for hardware development, or cash in comparison to these guys. I think they are lucky to have ATI to help their asses.
I think the console deals are starting to impact "tha game" as much as anything.
I'm interested in your speculations on this, if you've thought about it before.
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