R700 Details are here

Some juicy tidbits on the next generation flagship videocard from AMD's GPG (Graphics product group -formerly ATI) are here.

- Priced at $549. ($100 less than GTX280)
- Performance claims are 30% faster than the GTX280 overall. (best case scenario: 70% faster)
- Core clocks are not final yet. (same revision as 4870)
- On track for launch in week 31; late July/early August (contrary to reports of late August)
- Features 1GiB GDDR5 total board memory. (512MB frame buffer)
- Uses a Gen2 bridge chip (PEX8648), the package is 48% smaller over Gen1. It also consumes 20% less power. The only downside to AMD is that it is priced 30% higher.
- PCB/Cooling design was completed in early June, some AIB partners may offer shorter (dual PCB) variants at a later point.
- Current TDP is rated at 260W. We're assuming the core clocks arent final as AMD wants a good balance of performance and TDP. It will feature (1) 8pin & (1) 6pin power connectors.
- Main roadblock for launch are drivers. Fine tuning CrossFireX scaling for major upcoming games.
- Target driver for reviews is Catalyst 8.7. Claimed Quad CrossFireX gains of upto 300% over single 4870.
- Branding remains unknown, AMD may ditch the 'X2' moniker.

The main thing to take away from this is AMD's pricing remains very aggressive while offering faster performance than Nvidia's flagship. The launch is not as far away as you might think .. and AMD is also going to emphasize that R700 at $549 will offer better value and better performance compared to two 4870s in CrossFireX. Details on how Nvidia is preparing to counter-attack coming up very soon, stay tuned.

Stumble it!