Discussion On The ATI Radeon 5*** Series Before They Have Been Released Thread

Psy-Blade · 17 Sep 2009 at 11:20

Yeah I will need to see nearer the time, if the 2gb card comes with adapters to DVI and HDMI I'll be good (One of my screens is a 1080p HDTV) otherwise I assume the 1gb one can run 2x DVI, HDMI and 1 display port at the same time? This would be ideal for me.

Althoughhhh... those samsung slim bezel screens are nice, I like the small gap between screens.

tdream · 17 Sep 2009 at 14:37

reflux said:
The 5870 comes in two versions - the 1GB version with 2x DVI, an HDMI and a DisplayPort and the 2GB version with 6x DisplayPort sockets.

Is that confirmed? I want the 2gb version but not the displayports. Hope they ship with a boatload of adapters. Actually would prefer 2gb 2xDVI + HDMI version. Connect 2 monitors and telly with no adapters.

RizlaKing · 17 Sep 2009 at 14:40

I thought they had confirmed the X2 would be $599 :confused:

.

tmaxxthomson · 17 Sep 2009 at 15:29

why would you not want the display ports? there universal and you can get adapters for them, and im sure ati will send a selection of adapters for the display ports with there cards!

Tom|Nbk · 17 Sep 2009 at 15:37

Putting in some overtime this weekend, so looking forward to the card it would be wrong not to buy one on launch

MR.B · 17 Sep 2009 at 15:41

Just pointing out, the license fee for HDMI ports is one of the main reasons Display Port was created, theres no fee for it and it's very similar.
HDMI 1.3 spec and DP 1.2 spec are superior to DVI.

Display Port Advantages over DVI

1. Based on micro-packet protocol.
* Allows easy expansion of the standard
* Allows multiple video streams over single physical connection (in a future version)
2. Designed to support internal chip-to-chip communication
* Can drive display panels directly, eliminating scaling and control circuits and allowing for cheaper and slimmer displays
* Aimed to replace internal LVDS links in notebook panels with a unified link interface
* Compatible with low-voltage signalling used with 45 nm CMOS fabrication
3. Supports both RGB and YCbCr encoding formats
4. Auxiliary channel can be used for touch-panel data, USB links, camera, microphone, etc.
5. Fewer lanes with embedded clock reduce RFI.
6. Slimmer cables and a much smaller connector that doesn't require thumbscrews. Connector pins don't run the risk of bending if improperly handled.
7. In low-light conditions or awkward under-desk connections, the DisplayPort connector is easier to connect when guided only by touch.

Few monitors have Display ports at the moment but Dell are pushing it (like my 3008), they did help create the standard though.

layte · 17 Sep 2009 at 16:04

A DP connector will allow me to split screen between my Mac and Windows box, which is nice. My Dell 3008 cannot splitscreen two DVI signals. :mad:

tdream · 17 Sep 2009 at 16:13

MR.B said:
Just pointing out, the license fee for HDMI ports is one of the main reasons Display Port was created, theres no fee for it and it's very similar.
HDMI 1.3 spec and DP 1.2 spec are superior to DVI.

Display Port Advantages over DVI

1. Based on micro-packet protocol.
* Allows easy expansion of the standard
* Allows multiple video streams over single physical connection (in a future version)
2. Designed to support internal chip-to-chip communication
* Can drive display panels directly, eliminating scaling and control circuits and allowing for cheaper and slimmer displays
* Aimed to replace internal LVDS links in notebook panels with a unified link interface
* Compatible with low-voltage signalling used with 45 nm CMOS fabrication
3. Supports both RGB and YCbCr encoding formats
4. Auxiliary channel can be used for touch-panel data, USB links, camera, microphone, etc.
5. Fewer lanes with embedded clock reduce RFI.
6. Slimmer cables and a much smaller connector that doesn't require thumbscrews. Connector pins don't run the risk of bending if improperly handled.
7. In low-light conditions or awkward under-desk connections, the DisplayPort connector is easier to connect when guided only by touch.

Few monitors have Display ports at the moment but Dell are pushing it (like my 3008), they did help create the standard though.

There's going to be a nice niche market created with all these adapters floating around. DP :cool:

has nice and thin cables, I use the mini adapter for MBP to output to tv. BUT and it's a big one, does it transport audio? HDMI obviously does and eliminates the need for 2 cables.

And the license fee aspect doesn't affect end users really. Some would even prefer to pay a little more for the convience of audio+video in one neat cable.

kylew · 17 Sep 2009 at 16:18

tdream said:
There's going to be a nice niche market created with all these adapters floating around. DP has nice and thin cables, I use the mini adapter for MBP to output to tv. BUT and it's a big one, does it transport audio? HDMI obviously does and eliminates the need for 2 cables.

And the license fee aspect doesn't affect end users really. Some would even prefer to pay a little more for the convience of audio+video in one neat cable.

DP does indeed do audio.

tdream · 17 Sep 2009 at 16:40

kylew said:
DP does indeed do audio.

That's a relief

AeoNGriM · 17 Sep 2009 at 17:39

In response to a webnote query, one of the OcUK chaps confirmed they would be one of the only suppliers in the UK to be selling the 5850 and 5870 on its launch date on the 23rd. Since I bought a brand new system from OcUK mid August and have held off on buying a GPU this is great to hear. I think twin 5870's in Crossfire would go rather nicely with my i7 build xD

RizlaKing · 17 Sep 2009 at 17:42

Didn't ati state there would be no shortage of these cards on the release date ?. If thats the case then how can OcUK claim to be the only supplier that will have them puzzled. I would have thought many other retailors would be in on this launch as well getting stock in and i hope thats true cause if it isn't then it will be price gouge heaven which is not good.

MR.B · 17 Sep 2009 at 17:58

tdream said:
Some would even prefer to pay a little more for the convience of audio+video in one neat cable.

As pointed out DP does do audio, but HDMI does have some advantages still - such as support for the xvYCC color space, Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) signals, and electrical compatibility with DVI.

But! DP has advantages over HDMI, listed here

Personally i prefer DP (if theres any pr0n fans here that sounds so wrong)..

kylew · 17 Sep 2009 at 18:12

RizlaKing said:
Didn't ati state there would be no shortage of these cards on the release date ?. If thats the case then how can OcUK claim to be the only supplier that will have them puzzled. I would have thought many other retailors would be in on this launch as well getting stock in and i hope thats true cause if it isn't then it will be price gouge heaven which is not good.

They've either secured a monopoly on the first batch entering the UK, or they're talking BS.

Both just as likely as the other in my opinion.

LoadsaMoney · 17 Sep 2009 at 18:18

That old chestnut, its normal btw.

RizlaKing · 17 Sep 2009 at 18:40

I know it's normal but while i am looking forward to these gfx cards no way would i part with more money then i have too because one retailor has them a few days earlier as i doubt if what they say is true they will have a monopoly for any real length of time. Guess the really desperate will buy on release day with a gouged price but most i suspect will be happy to wait a few days and pick them up cheaper. Of course OcUK could surprise us all and not gouge the price but i am not that optimistic

.

tmaxxthomson · 17 Sep 2009 at 20:54

if they are the only ones to get stock. i can just see them putting a £50 premium on it untill other places get stock! dirty....

Raikiri · 17 Sep 2009 at 20:59

tmaxxthomson said:
dirty....

Not really, price skimming is a perfectly valid sales tactic. They're a business. It's up to you if you pay it in the end.

Doppleganger · 17 Sep 2009 at 22:29

RizlaKing said:
Didn't ati state there would be no shortage of these cards on the release date ?. If thats the case then how can OcUK claim to be the only supplier that will have them puzzled. I would have thought many other retailors would be in on this launch as well getting stock in and i hope thats true cause if it isn't then it will be price gouge heaven which is not good.

According to the post the webnote said "one of the only suppliers...' That implies a small number but more than one. I doubt very much that OcUK will have exclusivity. There will be several suppliers (the usual suspects) who will likely have 58xx cards in stock come the 23rd.

LoadsaMoney · 17 Sep 2009 at 23:06

If these have most of the stock, they'll charge more, as while the other places run out (as they'll have hardly any), these guys will still have plenty in, so will be the only place to get them, its good business, and standard practice.