[NTLUG:Discuss] Re: pci-e and linux ( and radeon -vs- nvidia ?

[Justin M. Forbes]

On Wed, Dec 22, 2004 at 12:50:54PM -0800, Bryan J. Smith wrote:
> NVidia won't bother if they have a well-selling solution.
> 
<snip>
> Going reverse, PCIe systems are still few.
> Hence why demand for PCIe bridged 6800s aren't selling.
> 
I do not think you quite understand.  They would bother because the yield
on current 6800GT/Ultra chips is too low.  It has nothing to do with lack
of demand, there is massive demand, and they cannot keep up.  That is why a
higher yielding chip would work.   There are currently tons of PCI-Express
6800GT PCBs just waiting for chip availability.  This high demand coupled
with next to no supply is making the few PCI-Express 6800s which do get
released sell for $100-$300 above SRP.  While this is great for retailers,
it is not as good as having a reasonable supply.  This does nothing for
nvidia or their OEMs.
ATI had the same issue, and has created the new x850 and recreated the x800
series on a higher yielding silicon to meet the demand.  Those parts should
be around in PCI-Express format next month.  End result may well be nvidia
losing customers, because they want more performance than the 6600GT, and
no one has an nvidia card to sell them.  "Oh, but we do have this nice
selection of ATIs in the same performance category you are looking for, and
cheaper too."

Justin