14 DAY TRIAL // The so-called shortage of 28nm-based graphics adapters might start being less of an issue by the end of the month, according to a recent rumor.
People may not immediately realize it when browsing online stores or visiting their local computer shops, but NVIDIA and Advanced Micro Devices, and OEMs, don't really have as many boards out there as they would like.
In other words, the supply of video controllers based on 28nm GPUs is beneath the desired level.
Fortunately, the situation hasn't reached the point where there aren't any adapters to be found. Rather, it is at the stage where products sell for more than the normal price. Supply-demand ratio and all that.
Digitimes now says that, with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company expected to gradually increase the number of viable 28nm chips manufactured per month, the shortage situation will visibly mend.
It will be a gradual process of course, but the first results should make themselves felt before the end of the month (May, 2012).
This is fortuitous not just because of the adapters already out, but also of those that will arrive within the next few weeks.
Advanced Micro Devices already has its Radeon HD 7000 line on sale, except the dual-GPU Radeon HD 7990 that will arrive in June. A better supply will only make it easier to follow those price reduction plans exposed previously.
As for NVIDIA, its GeForce GTX 690 dual-chip came out not long ago, but other cards are still on the way, like the GeForce 610 (in June) and the GeForce GTX 670 (this May). These two are mid-range, or at least less expensive than the GTX 680, which means that demand will be quite a bit higher than that for the flagship. Having a decent inventory from the start will definitely help.
Go here to read what is so far known about the GTX 660 and 670 (which may or may not be Ti-branded).