New low-end GeForce 8500GT will have 128-bit controller

NVIDIA MUCKED UP with its 7300 series. Creating a GPU with a 64-bit memory controller only meant performance was constrained compared to the AMD's Radeon X1300 offering. Even though Nvidia currently owns high-end segment with the excellent GeForce 8800 series, the low-end segment makes most revenue for all companies and here is where this current line-up faltered.

On April 17th, things will change. Nvidia is set to introduce 8500GT, which will feature a chip with a full 128-bit memory controller, supporting either 256 or 512MB of DDR2 SDRAM memory. The GPU will be clocked 450 to 500MHz, depending on cooler and MSRP, while memory clocks will be set at 800MHz - you can expect faster versions as well.

The chip only supports one Dual-Link DVI, so forget about running two 30-inch monitors but big issue is absence of mandatory HDCP. This may be a cause for cheer, because you can actually pick a card without HDCP, which leaves doors open for the creation of software emulators. We will see what nV planned with this one...

AMD will follow with an event in Tunisia from 22nd to 25th of April, and we will be able to what Chimpzilla does with its RV610 design, .

Expect ton of hardware reviews and comparisons from April 17th onwards. µ