Speculation: The Future of Surround Gaming

[Mikko]

Would it be nice, if Matrox would release a dual-GPU Parhelia for the Surround Gaming enthusiasts? I have spent over 1600 euros/dollars for my LCD monitors so far. I could easily spend another 500-600 for a graphic card that would (almost) double the performance.

How many of you guys would buy one, if it was fully DX9(+) compatible?
I would.

[Marshmallowman]

While I do really like some of the features of the parhelia, it is still way to expensive and very underpowered, even if they did dual GPU. The power usage of matrox cards has never really be excessive, so I don't think that will be an issue.

I am thinking SLI powered surround gaming is a more appealing prospect , eg NV or possibly ATI. eg twin SLI 6600gts are cheaper and faster than a parhelia.

[Nowhere]

But aren't the outputs of the second card working in SLI mode disabled?

[VJ]

Perhaps, but it is an interesting way of thinking: a different card for every monitor; the more displays you want, the more cards you'll have to get (in extremis). It would be nicer if they could manage 2 heads per card.

(the same poll is on Matrox forum )
Still, personally, I don't care *how* speed is achieved in a card: whether they use multiple GPUs, or new architecture.
However, as the Parhelia is already one of the slower cards for gaming, I would hope they are working on new architectures.


Jörg

[Mikko]

Originally posted by VJ
the same poll is on Matrox forum

Yep, I put it on both forums, just in case...

[Kurt]

I said "most likely" because I sort of expect matrox to charge USD899 for it... I don't believe much in a P-MAXX, I just wish they'd get a solution to use more than one card in the system, now that we have PCI-E (we don't even need 16x)...

[Kruzin]

It will never happen. They don't even have the brain power to make the PCI-e Parhelia work right.

Matrox has given up on Joe Consumer.
We will not see anything remotely resembling a gaming card from them..
Game over.

[gt40]

Originally posted by Kruzin
It will never happen. They don't even have the brain power to make the PCI-e Parhelia work right.

Matrox has given up on Joe Consumer.
We will not see anything remotely resembling a gaming card from them..
Game over.

that really sucks.
terrible to see a company with so much promise blow it.

[Mikko]

That's what I was afraid of. I thought they still had enough "brain power" to do it. Matrox has released so many Parhelia variants lately. Only couple of days ago they announced "Parhelia DL256 PCI" card for Apple 30" monitors.

Are you telling me, that this card (for example) has been ready for the release several months ago and they haven't done any development since then??

[Kurt]

Next thing you know, M will so get into niche markets that you'll be able to special order a new P revision for the HTPC you have in your living room...