ImgTec Launches Programmable Shader Graphics Family
- Thread starter Kristof
- Start date
Not really comparable, I know, but if you look at the highest-end SGX which reputedly will provide 400MPix (before overdraw, assuming the 'overdraw factor' is 3x) at 200MHz yet only takes up about 8mm sq. This compares favourably to NV44 which provides 700MPix (1,400MTex) at 350MHz in 110mm sq.
Obviously this is apples to oranges as this doesn't take into account vertex power or other considerations - the NV44 die area includes memory interface and all the other stuff required for a discrete chip yet the inference is that the PVR technology remains highly efficient in comparison to traditional IMRs.
Certainly SGX sounds as though it could provide the power for a fantastic handheld gaming machine.
Obviously this is apples to oranges as this doesn't take into account vertex power or other considerations - the NV44 die area includes memory interface and all the other stuff required for a discrete chip yet the inference is that the PVR technology remains highly efficient in comparison to traditional IMRs.
Certainly SGX sounds as though it could provide the power for a fantastic handheld gaming machine.
One? I surely hope it has many!Betamax said:
TEXAN said:
http://www.powervr.com/Products/Graphics/SGX/Index.asp?Page=3
That's obviously for the highest end model. Hypothetically it could be easily 2 TMUs * 200MHz = 400 * 3.0 overdraw = 1200MPixels/sec.
Kind of interesting they'd release a new part when their last one still is on top of the market yet has not really broken in yet. I think they'll have to do more than just release faster tech with more features to get used.
On the other hand, their new ultra mobile graphics chip just trounced the Intel GMA900.
On the other hand, their new ultra mobile graphics chip just trounced the Intel GMA900.
Timescales are the anomoly of the IP licensing model - MBX took over three years to be implemented in silicon and even longer to be productised. With PowerVr having a pretty good foot in the market now, I'm expecting this one to be shorter, but it they have announced it at a similar time as MBX in relation to actual licensee's then I'm guessing it'll be at least 1 year off implementation.
PowerVR was ready with MBX before the semiconductor and handset companies were ready for mobile 3D, but that timing helped secure them as an almost universal standard across the industry. 3D capable phones are the next big thing now, so SGX shouldn't be left waiting quite as long.
The Unreal Engine 3 could be a useful tool for SGX developers. Mark Rein of Epic had mentioned that the only reason they don't support portables is because they're not powerful enough yet...
The Unreal Engine 3 could be a useful tool for SGX developers. Mark Rein of Epic had mentioned that the only reason they don't support portables is because they're not powerful enough yet...
Lazy8s said:
In terms of development yes, in terms of silicon though they relied on partners and it took IMHO too long. If they want to speed up that process they'd have to build prototype silicon themselves, which might be a possibility.
As for UE3, dunno sounds a bit too optimistic. I'd expect it to run adequately on PC GPUs upon release; for such small cores to run such a demanding game it would have to be quite a dumped down version. Could be wrong though.
Considering though that PowerVR showcased Quake3A on MBX Lite (sans VGP), while others came along with Unreal1 and a dumped down version of Quake2, the trend might repeat itself.
One good candidate might be upcoming STALKER, which uses according to my understanding MRTs
Fox5 said:
Apart from a LG mobile phone carrying Imageon I'm not aware of any other 3D capable mobile phone from the competition.
If you count the MBX powered mobile phones on the other hand the answer is easy, and it will rapidly scale considering the large number of major semiconductors that have developed SoCs with MBX already.
