Even if it does only have 16 pipes, and even if it's slower than the 7800gtx, you're forgetting what happened last gen. Ati had the high-clocked 12-pipe x800pro initially to compete with a 6800gt/ultra, and they didnt do too well. And then later they released a 16-pipe x800xt, which beat all the 6800-series cards in almost everything.
Having less pipes is a loosing strategy in the long run, but this r520 might only be a temporary solution that will at least be somewhat competitive until they can get acceptable yields with more pipes.
Having less pipes is a loosing strategy in the long run, but this r520 might only be a temporary solution that will at least be somewhat competitive until they can get acceptable yields with more pipes.