It is true the reference design usualy isn't the best. But it isn't really bad either. We have seen that with the radeon 4850 series. The reference design might ran quite hot there but many of the non reference coolers from sapphire peak and palit etc. were horrible. especialy the one from sapphire it was like a intel stock fan spinning like a dustblower because it needed a huge rpm at loud to cool the card. I dont like such cost saving from manufacturers afther the reference design. So i can understand AMD's choice. But i agree there are great non reference desings as well which are much cooler overclock better saving power. but most of all are much more silent. I just hope ATI allows them a week or 2 afther the launch

The reference design power consumption figures have been pretty bad in comparison to the better designs. Why on earth does ATI (AMD) limit the sales to reference designs? How much do they charge license fees per PCB?

I can't stand the restrictions on sticking to the reference card design for the first quarter. There are far better power and cooling designs that could be offered right at release. I really don't know why vanilla is the only flavor you can order for so long.

So, the subliminal message is that Evergreen is on time and GT300 isn't? Because that's not prior knowledge for your readers.