New rumor about ATI Southern Islands

[marten_larsson]

It's only stupid because of the naming really
If AMD released:

6750=> 110-120 watts(much less than 5830), same performance as 5830 - 140-160$
6770=> 150 watts, same performance as 5850 - 200-220$

Everyone would be joying.

It's the naming that makes it all seem wrong and lame.

Yes and no. If the 6870 is a slightly faster 5850 with no improvements in power efficiency and higher price then it's a really stupid move. But I don't think the guys over at AMD are that dumb. But I agree, what AMD "needs" is a GTX460-killer which they already have really - just price the 5850 a bit more aggressive and there you have it.

Also I think the X7XX-cards have a very good reputation as being cheap, effective and with good performance. This is what Barts seems to be aiming at too so it would make sense to name it that way.

[tajoh111]

Yes and no. If the 6870 is a slightly faster 5850 with no improvements in power efficiency and higher price then it's a really stupid move. But I don't think the guys over at AMD are that dumb. But I agree, what AMD "needs" is a GTX460-killer which they already have really - just price the 5850 a bit more aggressive and there you have it.

Also I think the X7XX-cards have a very good reputation as being cheap, effective and with good performance. This is what Barts seems to be aiming at too so it would make sense to name it that way.

I think this is entirely about AMD rebranding their line to make more money.

Midrange cards being up priced one more tier and they are changing the 6770 to the 6870 series to justify what may be a 100 dollar price increase. I can see the 6870 being priced at $259-299 and people thinking its a good deal because the naming indicates better performance than the last generation but at the same time the pricing is lower and they think they are getting a better value. This allows cayman pro and xt to be priced at 399 and 499 respectively.

This allows AMD to increase its margins and will help them make big money for once. I can imagine AMD felt they price their last series too low and hence the card selling more than MSRP, so they want to raise the price of their whole lineup.

[Zloyd]

I can see the 6870 being priced at $259-299 and people thinking its a good deal because the naming indicates better performance than the last generation but at the same time the pricing is lower and they think they are getting a better value.

Great logic thats probably the best explanation to the naming scheme