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Specifications
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T&L Renderer
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Core Clock
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Memory Clock
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Fill Rate
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Bandwidth
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GF-3 Ti 500
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Programmable
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240 MHz
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500 MHz
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960 MP/s
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8000+ MB/s
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GF-3 Ti 200
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Programmable
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175 MHz
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400 MHz
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700 MP/s
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6400+ MB/s
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GF-3 Original
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Programmable
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200 MHz
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460 MHz
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800 MP/s
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7360+ MB/s
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GF-2 Ti
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Static
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250 MHz
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400 MHz
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1000 MP/s
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6400 MB/s
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GF-2 Ultra
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Static
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250 MHz
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460 MHz
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1000 MP/s
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7360 MB/s
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GF-2 Pro
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Static
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200 MHz
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400 MHz
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800 MP/s
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6400 MB/s
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Product Analysis
The GF-3 Ti 500 represents the most powerful desktop video solution to ever be released within the desktop channel,
especially considering its suggested $349 US price point. However, do not forget that ATI is nearing the
debut of its similarly priced Radeon 8500 architecture. Early performance numbers indicate the 8500 might
be slightly slower, though this next-generation Radeon clearly offers the better feature set in terms of future
compatibility. nVidia may be taking a gamble here, as performance is rapidly becoming a subjective measurement
since hardware engineers have generally outpaced software developers over the past couple of years.
The GF-3 Ti 200 is the most interesting offering of this new product series due to its affordable $199 US suggested
price. The Ti 200 features slightly diminished clock speeds as compared to the current GeForce-3, though
those willing to attempt a moderate overclock should easily realize the full potential of this mid-range card.
The predominate reason for the Ti 200 is to introduce a product which scales better with nVidia production techniques.
The GeForce-3 core architecture is so complex that effective yield rates at 200+ MHz are usually marginal at best.
By introducing a new 175 MHz standard, nVidia can now ship core samples that once would have been discarded with
the previous fabrication standards.
The GeForce-2 Ti seems to be the black sheep of this family, as it does not appear to be competitive in terms of
cost or performance. With a suggested retail price of $149 US, the GF-2 Ti does not appear to be an overly
attractive purchase for retail consumers. Most people users will likely spend the extra $50 for the more
powerful GF-3 Ti 200. It can be best assumed that the GF-2 Ti will rapidly fall in price over the next few
weeks, thus moving into the entry-level segment now occupied by the GF-2 MX.
Initial Availability
Final Thoughts
I find it amusing that nVidia is somehow claiming the new GeForce-3
Ti series offer amazing new technologies like shadow buffering and 3D texture support. The actual fact is
that these rendering technologies are already supported by the original GF-3, though it requires the latest DetonatorXP
driver release to realize the potential of these features. I view this as marginal marketing at best, as
advertising "new" features for "new" products that also work on older products is somewhat
deceptive at best. Still, the GF-3 Titanium chipsets are a welcome addition to nVidia's lineup in terms of
performance and cost. These positives are especially true for the Ti 200, as this card should offer enormous
potential for those interested in overclocking. nVidia has delivered on its promise of a new design every
six months, and the Titanium series should be yet another popular offering from this valued manufacturer.
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