Allen
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,854
Ohio USA
Originally Posted by kludger
.. a major version number update like RX 480 > 580 or GTX 670 > 770 would usually signify a major improvement.,,
It used to be that way. But, now its changed.
AMD, Nvidia, Intel have been changing names/designations for minor performance improvements for a few years now. When that first started there was "frustration". Now, its normal. As noted elsewhere, Intel CPUs only pick up about 10 percent per year and Intel in-CPU graphics have always been and remain poor. Nvidia does what it has to to stay ahead of AMD in FPS -- but at a price to consumers. And Nvidia does not make a decent CPU device (they do make non-x86 CPUs -- but they are not "special").
Still, all 3 of the big 3 should come up with something truly new on a 3 or 4 year schedule for the near future. Sometimes, the schedules overlap so there is less time between. But, AMD has less money to spend and must update CPUs and GPUs; so, they update each less frequently.
That said, we are reaching the end of what is physically possible with downsizing chip architecture. 7nm is the next big thing. 3nm is probably as small as it will EVER get. AMD is skipping 10nm and going straight to 7nm, it is said. If they succeed, they may actually surpass Intel and Nvidia (who are going slower). Thing is Intel and Nvidia will not "sit still" and let AMD get past them. So, I imagine all three will be performing "close to one another" in the future. Soon (2 or 4 years), it will nearly-always come down to price. Is that extra 10 percent FPS worth a new purchase or 30 percent more cash when choosing between brands?? (My opinion)