4670CF faster than 4850 [Updated]

Atleast in the preliminary benchmark scores; the 4670CF setup is slightly faster than a stock 4850 in 3DMark06 & Vantage. The individual scores were 54xx in SM2.0 and 65xx in SM3.0 tests, a 4850 on the same setup ended up with 49xx and 57xx respectively. The tests were done at the default (1280×1024) resolution, which is the target resolution for these new cards.

Since 3DMark06 is no longer the most current benchmark to gauge the performance, so we've got some Vantage numbers too; 73xx for the 4670CF and 72xx for the 4850. Again a slight edge to the 4670CF over a single 4850. The 4650 sibling will end up a good deal slower, aptly it relies on software CrossFire and comes without the CrossFire ports.

From these preliminary benchmarks, the 4670CF seems to have a slight edge over the 4850 and we'll have to wait and see how this translates into games. Judging from the raw specs, these two might trade blows as the 4850 will have a clear memory bandwidth advantage while the 4670CF setup will have a clear advantage in texturing power.

In response, Nvidia seems to be prepping their counter-attack and apparently the initial batch of 9550GTs will be based on G92b (rather than G94b) as the need to clear the G92 inventory is top priority. Either of these combinations is bound to outperform the 4670 but will also cost more to manufacture. The 4600 launch is slated for tomorrow and as usual we'll have the most comprehensive roundup as soon as reviews start flowing in.

Update: Hexus has the first 4670CF review with game tests. Just like we mentioned above, 4670CF comes out the winner over the 4850, thanks to the higher texturing power.

Stumble it!