GeForce GTX 260 Core 216 thread...

[Blacky]

Reviews (please post more reviews if you find from a trustful source of course to add them thanks!)

Anandtech (http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=3408)
Techpowerup (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Zotac/GeForce_GTX_260_Amp2_Edition/)
Guru3d (http://www.guru3d.com/article/geforce-gtx-260-core-216--bfg-ocx-maxcore/1)
HardwareCanucks (http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/forum/hardware-canucks-reviews/10103-evga-geforce-gtx-260-core-216-216-sp-superclocked-edition-review.html)
Hothardware (http://www.hothardware.com/Articles/NVIDIA-GeForce-GTX-260-Core-216-EVGA-Zotac/?page=2)
Hardocp (http://enthusiast.hardocp.com/article.html?art=MTU1NiwxLCxoZW50aHVzaWFzdA==)
Hexus.net (http://www.hexus.net/content/item.php?item=15464)
PCGameshardware (http://www.pcgameshardware.com/aid,660194/Reviews/PCGH_Review_Nvidia_Geforce_GTX_260_with_216_ALUs/)




Can someone conclude with me that this is a GTX 280 for $279>?

Regards,


Blacky

[Caveman787]

It does seem to basically be like a gtx280 in performance but those are overclocked models.

Which doesn't give a fair comparison entirely, I can't see how giving it a few more shader processors can make it as fast as the gtx280...

[mikeyakame]

No gtx280 has 240 shader processors, 512bit memory bus and the at time highest speed binned Hynix H5RS5223CFR-N3C 0.8ns ( possibly -N2C ) CAS 11 memory ics. this gtx260 has an extra ROP unit activated so that makes 9 out of 10, where as the original unit has 8 out of 10 activated. there is also the 448bit memory bus which hasn't changed and nor has the actual clocks or memory ic's. GTX260 should either use Hynix H5RS5223CFR-N2C or Hynix H5RS5223CFR-N0C 0.8ns CAS11 memory ICs.

this is simply a higher binned gpu chip that had 9 out of 10 good ROP units.

[Blacky]

even if it is OC version or not the card has shown that has (so far) alot of potencial to reach the GTX 280 for less money...

[Caveman787]

Yes but in some of those reviews it shows the gtx260 216 sp version holding with the gtx280 only slower by like 2 or 3 frames. I think some of these must be off because of that. Specially since some place the 4870 faster then 4870x2 at times.

Also is the gtx260 standard going to be just as good?....since I heard overclocking ability suffers with more clusters. And a gtx260 could overclock further then a gtx280 makeing them close in performance even overclocked.

[insurgent]

Great card for the price especially the EVGA OC'ed card, I'd be an Nv fanboy too if they (evga) were available here. Imagine the prices a few weeks after 4850X2 is released :D

[Carfax]

My next upgrade will either be to this card, or to a 4870 1GB model.

Leaning more towards the 4870 1GB though, as it seems to be nearly as fast as the GTX 280, but with DX 10.1 capability.

[mikeyakame]

Yes but in some of those reviews it shows the gtx260 216 sp version holding with the gtx280 only slower by like 2 or 3 frames. I think some of these must be off because of that. Specially since some place the 4870 faster then 4870x2 at times.

Also is the gtx260 standard going to be just as good?....since I heard overclocking ability suffers with more clusters. And a gtx260 could overclock further then a gtx280 makeing them close in performance even overclocked.

Overclocking ability does suffer, this version with added ROP unit will overclock worse than the current 260. Expect lower shader/rop clocks than present. Process hasn't changed and nor has design, they just activated the extra unit via laser on dies with one less failed unit.

[insurgent]

Overclocking ability does suffer, this version with added ROP unit will overclock worse than the current 260. Expect lower shader/rop clocks than present. Process hasn't changed and nor has design, they just activated the extra unit via laser on dies with one less failed unit.

So in Max OC comparison the older 260 will probably be faster than the new 260 or just about the same because of the additional ROP?

[Leeghoofd]

now lets see an upgraded GTX280...

[Caveman787]

The way I see it is the more shader clusters the lower the overclock headroom.

Which means a normal gtx260 can reach 750 approx. and a gtx280 can usually reach about 700. So the they'll all have similar performance at max overclock and that means the gtx260 216sp will probably overclock to 720-730 approx.

[jam2k]

Looks like the 4870 is still the 8xAA champ: Link1 (http://www.firingsquad.com/hardware/nvidia_geforce_gtx_260_216shader/page13.asp) & Link2 (http://www.firingsquad.com/hardware/nvidia_geforce_gtx_260_216shader/page14.asp)

[v_rr]

now lets see an upgraded GTX280...

Impossible. GTX280 has full functional chip.

[vengance_01]

Is this true, I read from the HardOCP review that the new GTX260 had a die shrink?

[Leeghoofd]

Impossible. GTX280 has full functional chip.

I didn't mean it has to be by using the current GPU, If the 280 card had already faster shaders (talking 1600mhz region) I might want to upgrade it... How they achieve it, I don't care... but it prolly will be out of my step up period lol... :rofl:

[NeedMoMegaHurtZ]

Blacky - Anandtech's take
http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=3408

[Scubar]

Certainly looks promising. Seems they have finally come up with a card to try and compete with the 4870.

[Blacky]

Blacky - Anandtech's take
http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=3408

done thanks mate :up:

[ahmad]

Definitely the OCed parts can outpace the 4870. But so can an oced 4870 :)

[largon]

No gtx280 has 240 shader processors, 512bit memory bus and the at time highest speed binned Hynix H5RS5223CFR-N3C 0.8ns ( possibly -N2C ) CAS 11 memory ics. this gtx260 has an extra ROP unit activated so that makes 9 out of 10, where as the original unit has 8 out of 10 activated. there is also the 448bit memory bus which hasn't changed and nor has the actual clocks or memory ic's. GTX260 should either use Hynix H5RS5223CFR-N2C or Hynix H5RS5223CFR-N0C 0.8ns CAS11 memory ICs.

this is simply a higher binned gpu chip that had 9 out of 10 good ROP units.Replace the acronym "ROP" in the quoted post with "SP clusters" and the post makes sense. The updated GTX260 has 28 ROPs just like the original GTX260, the novelty in the updated card is the additional (9th) enabled shader processor cluster, the original has 8 enabled SP clusters.

[paulhamm]

The name is funny, GeForce GTX 260 Core 216. Looks like they are trying to fly on Intels coat tails. You have got the love those PR bunnies. Intel Core=Nvidia Core=Epic Fail. Nice try though, just wish they would try something original, how about GTX270

[NaMcO]

What i really love are the idle power consumption values for the x2 card... Jesus Christ...

[MrMojoZ]

Nice try though, just wish they would try something original, how about GTX270

Give it a new name and you get less mistaken sales of the older 260 cards.

[Leeghoofd]

Some more links Blacky :

Pcgameshardware.com (http://www.pcgameshardware.com/aid,660194/Reviews/PCGH_Review_Nvidia_Geforce_GTX_260_with_216_ALUs/)

hardocp.com (http://enthusiast.hardocp.com/article.html?art=MTU1NiwxLCxoZW50aHVzaWFzdA==)

Hexus.net (http://www.hexus.net/content/item.php?item=15464)

**corrected**

[Caveman787]

the overclock3d link is for a gtx 280 xxx there Leeghoofd....but may be good for comparison.

[Blacky]

Some more links Blacky :

Pcgameshardware.com (http://www.pcgameshardware.com/aid,660194/Reviews/PCGH_Review_Nvidia_Geforce_GTX_260_with_216_ALUs/)

hardocp.com (http://enthusiast.hardocp.com/article.html?art=MTU1NiwxLCxoZW50aHVzaWFzdA==)

Hexus.net (http://www.hexus.net/content/item.php?item=15464)

**corrected**

thank you mate :up:

[Sumanji]

HardOCP have retracted their statement which mentioned that the new GTX260 is 55nm. Apparently a miscommunication by BFG. I wonder if there are ever going to be 55nm GT 200 chips?

[mikeyakame]

Replace the acronym "ROP" in the quoted post with "SP clusters" and the post makes sense. The updated GTX260 has 28 ROPs just like the original GTX260, the novelty in the updated card is the additional (9th) enabled shader processor cluster, the original has 8 enabled SP clusters.

Oops! It was late but yeah that was what I meant. For some reason ROP unit sounded right at the time when it should have been shader cluster!

[Blacky]

HardOCP have retracted their statement which mentioned that the new GTX260 is 55nm. Apparently a miscommunication by BFG. I wonder if there are ever going to be 55nm GT 200 chips?

I don't know but judging by nvidia latest gpu roadmap revealed few weeks ago, 55nm GTX260 could be coming by december-january 09

[BreeSpree]

Hmmm, so if you were to liquid cool this GTX 260 OC model is it possible with standard blocks. Like is it a reference design? Seems awfully powerful to be a reference design.

[jAkUp]

Yes, standard waterblocks will work as the layout is the same.

[largon]

Still 3 phase vGPU?
:\

[Blacky]

the EVGA's new 260 is already available at http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130398

[Kaldor]

It looks like a smoking card. And Im glad to see Nvidia getting back in the game.

But I am disappointing that this is nothing but an incremental upgrade again, ala the G80 and G92. I dont really see a reason why they didnt release this card at release though. Its all the same silicon.... Nvidia muddies up the water once again. :shrug:

[LaMpiR]

This will be best buy when they drop prices after 4850x2. I just wonna know how much PPD in folding does it make?

[DeanZ]

its really tempting, but i'm gonna wait till they hit 55nm...and i get a better job

[Blacky]

BFG models popped at newegg http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814143155

[Shadowmage]

Wow... $300... you can get an overclocked PALIT 4870 for $50 less (which would beat the 260 216)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814261029

[Carfax]

I'm ticked off by the fact that there are so many 260+ GTX reviews, and only one 4870 1GB review :mad:

These cards will be competing head to head, and the 4870 1GB is now available, so I don't see why the review sites aren't including it :confused:

[Bo_Fox]

I'm ticked off by the fact that there are so many 260+ GTX reviews, and only one 4870 1GB review :mad:

These cards will be competing head to head, and the 4870 1GB is now available, so I don't see why the review sites aren't including it :confused:

exactly what I was thinking! :up:

[spursindonesia]

Perhaps because HD 4870 1 GB seems still very2 scarce in the market and the AIBs don't look too enthusiast with this model ? Dunno.

[Blacky]

I'm ticked off by the fact that there are so many 260+ GTX reviews, and only one 4870 1GB review :mad:

These cards will be competing head to head, and the 4870 1GB is now available, so I don't see why the review sites aren't including it :confused:

because the 1gb version doesn't offer any significant changes over 512mb? just like R600 XTX vs XT

[Caveman787]

Actually it does since the memory won't be to little to handle realy high resolution's which is where the 4870 dies. However, other than that I don't think it does.

[adamsleath]

These cards will be competing head to head, and the 4870 1GB is now available, so I don't see why the review sites aren't including it
maybe the reviewers are at the pub with all the sacked nvidia employees :hehe:

[MomijiTMO]

So far from the 1 review I've seen the 1Gb 4870 didn't really do much. AMD were saying like 10%+ better but it's not happening.

[adamsleath]

yeah the 1gb got the sack aswell, or maybe it just walked away because there were already too many other cards on the market :p:

[MomijiTMO]

lol

Well if it was say $50 more than the 512Mb I would jump for it but because it's not well it just isn't practical.

Have you made up your mind yet? lol.

[adamsleath]

nope....
http://www.mtechcomputers.com.au/product_info.php?cPath=0_58_59&products_id=5158&osCsid=7f32bc4bd2732f9900de827c9c94f10a
what about this one? :D

anyway; probly his/hightech 4870 512 with an accelero on it...but i dont really need it ...or else id have it already...its called a cooling off period.

..so what makes the 4870 perform better than the 4850? must be the memory bandwidth.

[Sentential]

..so what makes the 4870 perform better than the 4850?

The HD48xx series in many senses is alot like the 9800PROs of olde in the sense that its a very strong GPU that is being weighed down by poor memory bandwith. The HD4870 theoritically doubles the bandwith that the '50 has since the DDR5 it uses runs at almost 2x as high a clock speed as the HD4850. As a result there is a significant jump in peformance usually in the 20-30% range which is a fair amount.

[MomijiTMO]

Don't forget the memory clocks and more importantly the pwm area. The reference 4870's pwm area is very different.

[Bo_Fox]

nope....
http://www.mtechcomputers.com.au/product_info.php?cPath=0_58_59&products_id=5158&osCsid=7f32bc4bd2732f9900de827c9c94f10a
what about this one? :D

anyway; probly his/hightech 4870 512 with an accelero on it...but i dont really need it ...or else id have it already...its called a cooling off period.

..so what makes the 4870 perform better than the 4850? must be the memory bandwidth.

Not just the memory bandwidth. There is also a large increase in the core clock speed (from 625MHz to 750MHz).

The 1GB version will make the 4870 perform almost exactly twice as fast in Crysis with AA enabled. It would also perform much faster in Call of Juarez in DX10 mode. I do not think those are driver issues--I think it's just that those game use huge amounts of memory, especially when AA is enabled. 512MB is so "last-week".. it's been "mainstream" for more than 2 years now.

[Garrett]

They might have called it GTX 270 as far as I'm concerned :D
It should be right in the middle performance-wise between the 'normal' 260 and 280 :D

[Kingcarcas]

Seriously, whoever is naming these things needs to get smacked, what's wrong with GTX 260+? or GTX 270?

[Nasgul]

I think it's fine with GTX 260 Core 216.

After all, it's the same exact model, but! with 216 PS.

I mean, when you buy a Honda Civic, you have 3, 4 or 5 different versions, but! they all are called CIVIC, or don't they?

So, same model but! different version, let's say the Core 216 is equipped with Anti-lock brakes, premium sound, sport limited edition, and despite of all of that? It's still a GTX260.

So, same model different version.

Same goes for Core 2 Duo, they all are Core 2 Duo, but! you have 3, 4, 5 different models.........so why can't you people follow up?

And once this baby goes down to about $200? I'm getting one.

[adamsleath]

And once this baby goes down to about $200? I'm getting one.
when will that be? 6-9 months time?

[Nasgul]

I've had my current set up for two years and two months now.........

6-9 months? :ROTF:

Patience my young apprentice. Soon the Q6600 will arrive as well.