The simple fact is Voodoo2 is out NOW and is selling like hotcakes. Banshee will probably be a mass market solution with fast 2d and Voodoo2 level 3D, priced at around $150.
If 3dfx can get a couple of OEMs aboard (Dell, Gateway) it should be huge earnings booster. I'm not expecting Voodoo3 with the Banshee, but more like Voodoo Rush without the problems. If 3dfx can get the OEMs aboard, they can add profits. And remember folks, it's PROFITS that count.
Let's also remember, ANYONE can announce a great 2d/3d chip solution.. but let's wait to see if they can market it out on TIME and IN QUANTITY. Remember last year?? Oh no!, PowerVR2, Rendition V2200, and RIVA 128 weren't going to kill 3dfx. Besides Riva 128 (which did well through OEMS) 3dfx DESTROYED the competition.
I predict that maybe for a few months starting in September or so, 3dfx will lose the 3d performance lead (not counting SLI) for a few months. But by then you could probably get the Banshee with Voodoo2 performance for under $150, and Voodoo2 will be priced to go for the 4th quarter to sell in HUGE volumes. While the competition tries to produce and sell in volume.
Remember, Rendition V2000 series were great chips with great prices, but did they sell and beat 3dfx Voodoo1? Nope.
And come November, if 3dfx follows last year's pattern, I predict they'll announce Voodoo3 technology available in early 1999 that will kick butt.
The average consumer during Christmas, will ask for Voodoo2 EVEN IF they are better performing 3d solutions out there. Brand Name. Voodoo2 cards are being mass produced by almost EVERY MAJOR graphics card manufacturer (Diamond, STB, Creative Labs, and tons of smaller ones) 3dfx will still grab those profits and then have even more earnings when Voodoo3 comes out.
Tae Kim
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