Vec4 vs scalar transistor question.

[David]

How many transistors does one scalar need to function? and how many for one vec4? I'm asking because me and a friend are having an arguement.

[Mike]

From what little I know, it takes less to make a Vec4 than it does 4 scalars...however, the difference isn't really all that significant.

[David]

From what little I know, it takes less to make a Vec4 than it does 4 scalars...however, the difference isn't really all that significant.
Ok then do you know how many thousands of transistors it takes to make one scalar and vec4?

[Mike]

No, again, things are rarely this simple. I think the only really valid point you can make comparing the number of transistors in a vec4 vs 4 scalars is that you don't save enough transistors using vec4's to be able to add more vec4's. That is say, that if you took all the scalar pipes on G80, chopped the brains out of 3/4ths of them, then shoved them together and made them vec4's, you would not have reclaimed enough transistors in this process to make room in your die for another vec4.

To be brutally honest, the speculation at this level is pretty much worthless, wait till the card comes out, all questions will be answered.

[David]

Allright Mike thx. See ya in a few months.