Online Retailer Confirms Details About GeForce GTX 460

[FiXT]

Online retailer Newegg, has "mistakenly" listed details on the upcoming GTX 460, rumoured to debut this month. The listings, which have since been pulled, show the GTX 460 with nearly identical specs to the rumours that surfaced a few weeks ago. MSI, Asus, EVGA, Sparkle and Palit all appear to be jumping on board for the release, launching two dist... [ Read full article ]

[sswilson]

The lower end model has only 768MB of memory with a 192-bit memory bus, while a second version features 1GB with 256-bit bus. Both feature a 675MHz Core Clock and 1350MHz Shader clock with 336 Processor Cores.

I know this is still all in rumour stage until it's released to the public, but if this is true, does anybody other than me think that having two different memory bus speeds on the same model# vid card is a terrible idea that's only going to result in some disapointed folks who don't do the research on what they're actually buying?

[FiXT]

Originally Posted by sswilson

I know this is still all in rumour stage until it's released to the public, but if this is true, does anybody other than me think that having two different memory bus speeds on the same model# vid card is a terrible idea that's only going to result in some disapointed folks who don't do the research on what they're actually buying?

With newegg posting in publicly, I think its safe to say it is probably fact.

You are right though, the whole two different specced models under one model name is an AWFUL idea. This gives Intel's naming scheme a run for its money.

Even if they tag it the "Extreme" or "Overclocked" version or what ever, the average consumer isn't going to realize the finer details between to two. I'm betting the general mindset will be "Well I can save $50+-" by going with the 768MB version and then be sorely disappointed when performance is severely neutered which I suspect will be the case.

[Zero82z]

Originally Posted by sswilson

I know this is still all in rumour stage until it's released to the public, but if this is true, does anybody other than me think that having two different memory bus speeds on the same model# vid card is a terrible idea that's only going to result in some disapointed folks who don't do the research on what they're actually buying?

Yes. You'd think nVidia would have learned from when they did the same bloody thing with the 8800GTS and then again with the 9600GSO and even another time with the GTX260, but they seem to like repeating their mistakes.

[sswilson]

Originally Posted by FiXT

With newegg posting in publicly, I think its safe to say it is probably fact.

You are right though, the whole two different specced models under one model name is an AWFUL idea. This gives Intel's naming scheme a run for its money.

Even if they tag it the "Extreme" or "Overclocked" version or what ever, the average consumer isn't going to realize the finer details between to two. I'm betting the general mindset will be "Well I can save $50+-" by going with the 768MB version and then be sorely disappointed when performance is severely neutered which I suspect will be the case.

Yeah, all a person who isn't paying attention is going to see is the fact that the memory sizes are different and base a purchase decision on game memory requirements, especially if the clock speeds are listed as being the same. Hell, maybe my memory is slipping a bit, but I don't recall ever seeing memory bus speed listed under retail specs, you usually have to dig through reviews for that kind of information.

Yes. You'd think nVidia would have learned from when they did the same bloody thing with the 8800GTS and then again with the 9600GSO and even another time with the GTX260, but they seem to like repeating their mistakes.

Well, if they add a set of letters to the model # of the higher end card it would at least be distinguishable from the stock model. I don't think too many folks had problems realising that there was a difference between the 8800 and the 8800GTS.

[FiXT]

Originally Posted by sswilson

Hell, maybe my memory is slipping a bit, but I don't recall ever seeing memory bus speed listed under retail specs, you usually have to dig through reviews for that kind of information.

In the newegg listing they do show it next to the memory size which is nice. And your right, for most they don't bother so if NVIDIA doesn't come up with a better solution it really is going to be up to the retailers to push awareness.


Branding the card "GTX 460 192bit" or "GTX 460 256bit" much like they did with the GTX 260 216 and the SP's would likely be a best approach IMO.

[sswilson]

It also remains to be seen if there is any real difference in performance between the two.... maybe there isn't a big difference (I'd find it hard to believe) and Nvidia left it open to OEMs to decide which was easier (cheaper) for them to implement.

[jcmaz]

What will the performance hit between 192bit and the 256bit bus be?

[_dangtx_]

at small resolutions i expect minimal. crank that sheet up and itll pull away :)

[Zero82z]

Originally Posted by sswilson

I don't think too many folks had problems realising that there was a difference between the 8800 and the 8800GTS.

No, but lots of people had trouble figuring out the difference between the 320MB 8800GTS, the 640MB 8800GTS, and then the 512MB GTS which was based on a different core.

Originally Posted by FiXT

Branding the card "GTX 460 192bit" or "GTX 460 256bit" much like they did with the GTX 260 216 and the SP's would likely be a best approach IMO.

nVidia didn't brand the 216SP GTX260 any differently from the original. They just called it a GTX260. That's why some partners came up with their own names for it (EVGA's Core 216, BFG's Maxcore), and most didn't name it any differently. Their plan was to discontinue the 192SP version and replace it completely with the 216SP version without having to come up with a new name for it.