The idea behind the new series is that it comes with constituent parts are tiny, solid, and extremely capable. Architecturally, it is similar to the previous models. While the asymmetric vec4+1 shader set up and the ratio of shader remain the same, you’ll see that the silicone production has changed from 55 nm to 40 nm. It is now able to fit in more transistors for better performance.

The new 5870 performs so much better because it packs 1,600 stream shaders, comes with 80 texture units, and it also now has 32 ROPs or Render Output Units. While the chip’s memory base remains essentially untouched, the amount of improvements does make it more effective. The 256 bit does so much more with more power behind it. Why?