Even despite of the fact that a real benefit from a multi-GPU technology can only be obtained on high-end graphics cards, as when it comes to mainstream solutions a single higher-end product would be equal or better compared to what a couple of affordable GPUs can offer, NVIDIA reportedly plans to enable its multi-GPU SLI tech for low-end GeForce 6600 LE products.
A report over DigiTimes web-site claims that NVIDIA would introduce in early August its GeForce 6600 LE-series graphics products that support multi-GPU SLI (Scalable Link Interface) priced at about $60 - $70 FOB (free on board). Second-tier mainboard makers are said to believe that a mainboard that sports two PCI Express x16 slots to support multi-GPU operation as well as two GeForce 6600 LE graphics cards would cost around $200 in wholesale without international freight charges, taxes, etc.
NVIDIA GeForce 6600 LE graphics processing unit features 4 pixel and 3 vertex pipelines, less than the GeForce 6600 product, which provides 8 pixel pipes. However, the GPU operates at higher clock-speeds of 425MHz for the GPU, whereas memory (which is expected to have 128-bit memory access) operates at 550MHz, the same speed as that of the GeForce 6600 model. Some web-sites reported that NVIDIA wants to replace its GeForce 6200 with more powerful GeForce 6600 LE offering in order to propose a solution which would be more powerful than competing products from ATI.
Performance of two GeForce 6600 LE graphics cards is likely to be faster than that provided by a single GeForce 6600 due to much higher clock-speed of LE version amid equal amount of pixel processors. Still, pricing of two GeForce 6600 LE is likely to be close to much more powerful GeForce 6600 GT, which also has 8 pixel processors, is clocked at 500MHz and features 1GHz memory.
NVIDIA did not comment on the news-story, but recently enabled its SLI technology for the GeForce 6600 graphics cards.
Related news
- NVIDIA Preps More GeForce 7 Graphics Chips.
NVIDIA's G72, NV48 Tested by the Company - NVIDIA Calls for Multi-GPU Tech for Mainstream Computers.
NVIDIA to Enable SLI for Mainstream GPUs - ASUS Cancels Dual-Chip GeForce 6800 Graphics Cards.
ASUS Decides Not to Proceed with Dual GeForce 6800 Graphics Cards - ASUS Tests Dual GeForce 6800 GT Graphics Card.
ASUS Serious About Dual-GPU Graphics Cards - NVIDIA Validates NV42, NV_ENGR1 Chips with PCI-SIG.
NVIDIA Unannounced Products Listed at PCI-SIG - Infineon Sets Up Production of 512Mb GDDR3, Tips Graphics Cards with 1GB Memory.
Infineon Aims High-End Graphics Cards with New GDDR3 - NVIDIA's Add-in-Card Partners Gear Up for 512MB Graphics Cards Launch.
BFG Jumps on 512MB Graphics Cards Bandwagon