ATI & SLI

[Alodar]

So, recently I'm hearing lots of rumours that ATI will have a 'multiple VPU' solution (to compete with Nvidia's SLI). From what I understand, a current x800 or x850 will be useable with the new 'master' card that will be there allowing both cards to work in tandem. However, I'm confused as to how this works of course, but what I'd really like to know is, if you buy an NForce SLI motherboard, will that work with ATI's do you think, or is it something only for Nvidia. Rumours and speculation suck.

[Fozzik]

You're right (as far as I know, we must have heard the same rumors ;)) that ATI's multi-GPU tech will be announced very soon, and will involve a "master" and a "slave" card. Current X800-class cards will be able to act as the "slave"... the "master" configs will be released whenever ATI finally gets around to shipping.

You'll have to use an ATI motherboard to run ATI's multi-GPU (although it's possible that other mobo chipsets could support it, like from VIA or SiS, and perhaps even Intel). In order for any other chipset to support it, ATI would have to write them into the drivers... and will probably charge a decent amount of money to do that.

ATI chipset motherboards are far from popular, and it may end up being rather difficult to find both the motherboard and the "master" cards. Some of the OEM manufacturers (like Sapphire, etc) who make ATI-based graphics cards are complaining about having to make two versions of the same card... so it may be a while before anyone but ATI produces the "master" cards.

Also, ATI's version of dual-GPU will require an external connector (i.e. outside the computer case). I've heard rumors that it will be called AMR, and also some rumors that it might be called "Crossfire". We will probably know in about a week.

[Alodar]

Given this new information (an outside connector? That's just gotta be slower than an internal one), I suspect that going with Nvidia's SLI will probably end up being better. Not to mention their chipsets for mobos are already much more mature than ATI's. I just hope that Vanguard works with NVidia SLI setups, and doesn't have all sorts of craziness with NVidia due to their close ATI relationship.

[SirOddball]

I just hope that Vanguard works with NVidia SLI setups, and doesn't have all sorts of craziness with NVidia due to their close ATI relationship.

Sigil will be shooting themselves in the foot if Vanguard runs crappy on an Nvidia card. It seems Nvidia with its 6xxx series has been giving ATI a run for their money, and that more people have an Nvidia card as opposed an ATI card. Right now I think it's safe to say that the best video performance comes with Nvidia with an SLI setup. We'll see if ATI can counter in the coming year.