AMD on DirectX route
ATI launches Radeon Xpress 200 chipset for AMD 64 and Sempron-based systems
DirectX 9 graphics have finally arrived for AMD 64 and Sempron-based PCs with the introduction of ATI Technologies' Radeon Xpress 200 chipset.
The first DirectX 9 chipset for AMD 64 and Sempron-based systems, the Radeon Xpress 200 series is aimed at AMD's top PC and system builder partners. ATI is hoping it will boost the company's presence in the desktop integrated graphics chip market, dominated by VIA Technologies and nVidia.
Based on the Radeon X300 core technology, the new chipset includes Vertex Shader 2.0, Pixel Shader 2.0 and improved anti-aliasing capabilities. Using ATI's HyperMemory technology, its onboard graphics performance can be accelerated with up to 128MB of system memory.
AMD-based PC builders and OEMs planning to use the chipset include Hewlett-Packard (HP), Medion, Falcon Northwest, Asus, MSI and Gigabyte.
"AMD Athlon 64-based Radeon Xpress systems provide a very attractive proposition to the consumer and commercial desktop," said Marty Seyer, corporate vice-president of AMD's microprocessor business unit.
"Through partnering with ATI, we have a family of leading-edge PCI Express chipsets to help PC users embrace 64bit computing for stunning graphics and plug-and-play access to multimedia devices."
Phil Eisler, senior vice-president of ATI's chipset business unit, said: "By working with AMD, we have developed a chipset that is highly scalable, with enough flexibility to address the needs of OEM customers and the enthusiast community."
Roger Kay, vice-president of client computing at analyst IDC, said: "As the market begins a transition to PCI Express, the desktop PC will be redefined as a hub for home entertainment. ATI is providing AMD customers with a smooth upgrade path to next-generation applications."