The recent launch of Doom 3 has helped increase demand for high-end AGP8X graphics cards in the channel and this has pushed ATI Technologies and Nvidia to ramp up production of AGP8X models, according to sources in the channel.

ATI has placed an additional order for 1,400 wafer starts at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) to manufacture its Radeon 9800-series graphics chips, built using a 0.15-micron process, the sources stated.

With the additional order, ATI will be able to deliver about 70,000 Radeon 9800 chips in November. Radeon 9800 graphics cards will target the US$170-200 sub-segment, the sources noted.

Nvidia plans to market a low-priced version of its GeForce FX5900-series graphics chip supporting AGP8X in the fourth quarter, according to the sources.


Source : DigiTimes