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The Wii U — What is an R700 GPU and why does it matter?

April 15, 2012 By 16 Comments

What is an R700 GPU?

So we’ve all heard the rumors about Nintendo’s upcoming Wii U console, and how it’s going to be some strange tablet-y thing with a touchscreen and analog sticks and a microwave and a cat. Or something. It’s all very interesting and strange and I don’t really care because it’s going to be obsolete the minute you finish the next Zelda title. Here’s why.

The rumor mill started saying early on that the Wii U would use an AMD/ATI Radeon R700 GPU, and it’s been all but confirmed by Nintendo. But what does that mean? What is an R700 GPU?

Complicated and relevant nonsense

Let’s start with the basics. A GPU is a Graphics Processing Unit, that is the chip in a computer or console that processes geometry, textures, lighting, and postprocessing effects and composites them into the image that you see on your screen when you play a video game. Modern GPUs use dozens or hundreds (or even thousands) of tiny, specialized microprocessors called “shaders” to execute the complex mathematical operations that turn a collection of binary digits and code into an actual image. A system’s GPU is the primary determinant of the quality of graphics that it displays. [Read more...]

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m0ar 8v8 BF3 please

March 19, 2012 By 4 Comments

Co-op Wallpaper

8v8 vs 4v4

As 4v4 gets played more and more in competitive battlefield, it is refreshing to still see tournaments dedicated to 8v8s, with $12,000 in cash and prizes no less. I’m talking about Gigabyte and AMD’s tournament on March 26th. They are pushing to get more casual teams involved as well, so if your team hasn’t signed up yet, go take a look as it could be a lot of fun.

Many would argue that 12v12 and 8v8 is the way Battlefield is meant to be played; vehicles, choppers and multiple squads. I am one of those people.

 Don’t get me wrong, 4v4 is very fun and I understand the difficulties associated with fielding 8 people for practice and then for match time. However, Battlefield has always been associated with open (usually) warfare where the battlefield is littered with, not just infantry, but tanks, choppers, mines, c4, jets, boats, etc. There is enough going on where you catch yourself randomly stopping to look up in awe at the, sometimes blinding, sky to watch a flashy and impressive dogfight, but not too much to the point where you’re confused and lost.

Caspian Border Wallpaper

That brings me to my next point….12v12 or 8v8 is very entertaining to watch, especially with knowledgeable shoutcasters. Unfortunately, the latest Battlefield installment, BF3, does not have spectator support yet, which of course, prevents this from being possible. I”m sure many gamers would love to see this 8v8 tournament on March 26, and any 4v4/8v8 that follows, so hopefully spectator support comes out soon…

Bottom Line

Having played both in BF2 and BC2 matches,  I would recommend for all BF3 4v4-centric teams to give 8v8 a try, you very well might fall in love with it. Having trouble getting 8? Recruit! You can visit our free agent section by going to your clan admin page and click on “free agents” by hovering over recruitment. Or maybe temporarily merge with another 4v4 team for a tournament? Need some help knowing the ropes of 8v8? Ask some of the top teams, I am sure they would be more than happy to help.

Your thoughts?

What do you folks think? Is it a pipe dream to wait for spectator support? Do you prefer 4v4, 8v8 or 12v12? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

P.S The 8v8 Gigabyte and AMD tournament starts March 26th, so if your team isn’t registered yet, best do that before it is too late. GL HF!

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