R520 memory controller larger than most

ATi has been focusing a lot about its new memory controller for the X1000-family, and it has been justified. It is most likely the component of the R520 architecture that it has put the most effort into and the results has already appeared in the form of hotfixes for specific games. Now it has turned out that the memory controller of the R520 architecture isn’t just very advanced but also takes up a lot space. Despite the use of a 90nm manufacturing process the size of the R520 core is about the same as the 130nm core G70 (GeForce 7800) uses. The reson is mainly ATi’s new memory controller which takes up a lot of room. But then again it seems to be worth it.

Source: The Inquirer