GTX260 Coming With New PCB Design to Cut Cost

[largon]

This is why I always like Nvidia cards. I don't have any proof, but they always felt kinda over engineered, just in case.

I've though the exact opposite for a long time. IMO, nV boards generally appear to be overly complex and that makes them look sloppy.

For example:
Reference G200

5 vGPU phases and 1+1 for memory all phases are made of Volterra 1100-series parts. VRM area is a mess as one can see. 12V source coils here and there. And there's something what looks like a general chaos in both ends of the card.
PCB is 10.35 inches.

Reference R600 (OEM)

This card uses the exact same Volterra chips as the G200 above, yet, it has 6 vGPU phases and 1+1 for memory. They are all in a clean row, except for the 2nd memory phase - vDDQ, I believe, which is tucked in the corner by the fan connectors. 12V coils neatly on the backside. Very clean board compared to G200.
PCB is 8.25 inches - this thing is whopping 2.1 inches shorter than G200's!

Too bad the GPU (R600) on this card is nothing but a waste of good silicon. If they just had used the same basic PCB design for RV670, RV770 and so on... Ofcourse, they would/could have cut 2 vGPU phases - but no more than 2, RV770 with 3 is *tsk-tsk* - and half of the RAM bus for post-R600 chips. But slap some 256bits worth of high-bin GDDR5 in this board and a GPU 1½-2× logic of RV770 at 40nm and the results are -> !!!!!!!

But da-ymn, is this the perfect video card PCB...
It is a masterpiece.