Problems with the R520's Yields?

[TheGreatGrapeApe]

Well this may explain a few things (like the confusion over the number of pipes (total/unlocked), etc.);

<A HREF="http://www.penstarsys.com/editor/company/ati/r520/index.html" target="_new">http://www.penstarsys.com/editor/company/ati/r520/index.html</A>

I hope it's simply an overreaction to marketing delays instead of yields or else this could mean more shortages, and then less revenue from/for ATi. I really wouldn't want to see another generation of 'rare' and price-gouged parts.

The Penstarsys guys write the informative, objective blurbs about the state of 3D. They do make occasional mistakes and correct them, but it does make you wonder about the lack of parts even for 'select reviewers / moders' if this card was really supposed to launch in April (yes, I know the launch is over a month away). By this time there should be a glut of parts, not any kind of shortage. I was hoping that the delay would allow them to build up inventories to avoid the scarcity issues of this generation. Let's hope this is just some coy marketing ploy, otherwise we're all $crewed!


- You need a licence to buy a gun, but they'll sell anyone a stamp <i>(or internet account)</i> ! - <A HREF="http://www.redgreen.com/" target="_new"><font color=green>RED </font color=green> <font color=red> GREEN</font color=red></A> GA to SK

 

[TheGreatGrapeApe]

Yeah, except the R9700 series released to sufficient volume (for ATi it does seem to come back to the R9700 alot for defence of current actions). BTW, I think you mean X800XTPE. There wasn't too much of a shortage of X850s versus X800s IMO.

Considering how long LONG ago the R520 part taped out for the first time and when the G70 taped out (about 3-4 months after) there shouldn't be the same shortages unless there is something wrong (although could be minor glitches). The main thing will be if they can move sufficient regular 'XT' and 'PRO' type parts to fill the larger market for 'close to the top' parts. It's ok to have low yields of 600mhz top end parts, but if 400-500mhz XT or 24 pipe PRO type parts also are in short supply then it starts the cycle of price gouging again.

And I'd rather the companies stop this recent policy of releasing 'UltraExtreme' parts (like the GF6800UE and X700XT) simply to gain top spot, but never launching the product in volume, thus not putting the downward pricing pressure on lower parts for retailers. If people can't stock the XT-PE-Extreme then it's basically out of their pricing structure and those lower end products encroach and pass the MSRP for the very top end because there isn't actually any product in that segment to stop that move.


- You need a licence to buy a gun, but they'll sell anyone a stamp <i>(or internet account)</i> ! - <A HREF="http://www.redgreen.com/" target="_new"><font color=green>RED </font color=green> <font color=red> GREEN</font color=red></A> GA to SK

 

[RX8]

LOL, the 6800 ultra and X850XT PE still are in shortage in the uk.

<font color=purple> BOW DOWN AND SUCK MY eD!cK </font color=purple>

 

[HardWareBoss]

Oh you mesn like the ole X800s. How long did it take to buy them?????

 

[KCjoker]

This is exactly what worries me...we need Nvidia and ATI to both have plenty of supply.

 

[pauldh]

Ouch, Bad news Grape.


<A HREF="http://service.futuremark.com/compare?3dm05=658042" target="_new">3DMark05</A> <A HREF="http://service.futuremark.com/compare?2k3=3781954" target="_new">3DMark03</A>

 

[HardWareBoss]

Right and stop overcharging for the vid cards.