wraggster
October 15th, 2012, 18:32
A proposed EU directive on energy efficiency is likely to threaten the development of discrete graphics cards
Figures released by Nordic Hardware show that the guidelines are likely to cap graphics card GPU performance at 5001MHz for devices using a 512-bit memory bus or 6667MHz for those using a 384-bit bus.
In addition, energy efficiency requirements will now be defined in relation to the cards memory bandwidth, regardless of how they might affect the performance of the end product.
One senior figure at AMD expressed concerns to Nordic Hardware, noting that many current generation graphics cards, including AMD’s HD 7700 and 7900 devices, are unable to meet these requirements.
The laws, which could be implemented by the end of 2014, are expected to put unrealistic demands of graphics card manufacturers who will face heavy fines if they fail to comply.
http://www.pcr-online.biz/news/read/eu-legal-proposals-could-threaten-the-future-of-graphics-cards/029383
Figures released by Nordic Hardware show that the guidelines are likely to cap graphics card GPU performance at 5001MHz for devices using a 512-bit memory bus or 6667MHz for those using a 384-bit bus.
In addition, energy efficiency requirements will now be defined in relation to the cards memory bandwidth, regardless of how they might affect the performance of the end product.
One senior figure at AMD expressed concerns to Nordic Hardware, noting that many current generation graphics cards, including AMD’s HD 7700 and 7900 devices, are unable to meet these requirements.
The laws, which could be implemented by the end of 2014, are expected to put unrealistic demands of graphics card manufacturers who will face heavy fines if they fail to comply.
http://www.pcr-online.biz/news/read/eu-legal-proposals-could-threaten-the-future-of-graphics-cards/029383