14 DAY TRIAL // We all know that ATI is going to officially name its R600 cards in concordance with the X2000 scheme, but how about cards that are based on a pair of ATI R600 chips?
While prototype R600 boards already look grim and threatening, ATI couldn't just stand there and watch NVIDIA getting all the laurels with its GX2 models. In this sense, ATI prepares a top-of-the-line card which will be known as the Radeon X2800XTX2, borrowing on NVIDIA's GX2 card design that didn't quite double the overall performance. However, ATI claims that its XTX2 configurations will be able to achieve outstanding results. There are no details about the implementation manner, so XTX2 cards may feature two merged PCBs or maybe just one. Nvidia went for two PCBs last year with its Geforce 7950GX2 and it would be wise to consider ATI would follow a similar route.
Wondering about those XTX2 specs? Although final clocks may still slightly change, both chips should end up clocked at 575MHz core and 2000MHz GDDR4 memory. This version only has a 256-bit memory controller per chip, probably because of technical difficulties in making two chips work at 512-bit memory controller speed. Nonetheless, the card is equipped with 2x512MB memory, a total of 1GB, and has two-way 96-Shader units. It is made using an 80 nanometer process, just as the upcoming new cards from NVIDIA. ATI says the XTX2 cards should be priced at about $600, but NVIDIA is also planning some dual G80 cards that could come at a lower price.
Best of all, the XTX2 cards will be compatible with the announced Quad Crossfire configurations. Now you really need a separate case for that monstrosity!