It’s clear that there are several threats on the horizon, and AMD still has to be classed as one of them. Some argue that 2008 will be the year when AMD starts to turn its business around, and more worryingly for Nvidia, its ATI arm starts to deliver the goods. Desktop graphics products such as the Radeon HD 3850 are already attracting attention for their surprisingly low price, and while it may have the top end of the desktop sector to itself, Nvidia is likely to face more pressing competition in the more lucrative mid and budget ranges. A potential new owner for AMD itself could also change the situation in yet-to-be-predicted ways.

This is partially good for ATI as they are selling quite well, but at the same time many sources do believe that they cold earn much more money on these chips. An average selling price of RV770 is okay, but many do believe that ATI could sell them for more and get a better Q3 for the ATI master ship.

You can pick up a Diamond 4850 for $174.99, and a Diamond 4870 for $274.99. Those prices are $25 below suggested price.

Now we have learned that RV710 and RV730, entry-level and mainstream chips will be released at least two months ahead of schedule. This has caught Nvidia really off guard, as they hadn’t expected that ATI would have the real HD 4000 parts ready for pre-Xmas systems.

Like Gainward before them, two of the largest ones, XFX and EVGA have defected. Want to bet Nvidia doesn't know yet? In any case, partners leaving a company like rats leaving a sinking ship is never a good sign, lets see what happens in the coming months when the pain really piles on at NV. The really interesting part is who they defected to, and it isn't ATI. Paperwork has been signed though, and it is a done deal.

So they have gone Matrox. We knew it has to happen. But seriously, to who? Intel? Fudo thinks it is all posturing to get a better deal.

Its abolition, then, is a massive blow to those who worked at DAAMIT to create a series of entirely decent chips. Indeed, the Xilleon, which was much touted by ATI as the product with the most potential for mainstream appeal, is now destined to spend the rest of its time in a nursing home in Toronto, remembering the good old days.

As recently as CES this year AMD was touting design wins for the chip, with Divx signing up to use its codec on set-top boxes and Samsung using the Xilleon in its own TVs. Said Dave Di Orio, GM for the digital TV division, "We are committed to delivering a true multimedia experience with AMD Xilleon processors." And by committed, obviously, he means "about to slash".