ATI looks to gamer market
ATI Technologies is hoping to attract integrators to its latest high performance graphics solution
ATI Technologies is hoping to attract integrators to its latest high performance graphics solution with CrossFire support by targeting the mainstream gamer market.
The Radeon X800 GTO graphics processing unit boasts a 12-pipe 3D engine with a 256bit double date rate 3 memory interface and a memory data rate of up to 1GHz. The chip sits between ATI’s X800 XL and X800 XT processors.
Features include the SmartShader pixel shading technology, SmoothVision for added realism and 3D compression technology that can boost detail levels without impacting memory usage. The card also supports CrossFire which, like nVidia’s Scalable Link Interface technology, allows for two graphics cards to be used in the same PC simultaneously.
ATI claimed that the X800 GTO has reduced memory bandwidth by 25 per cent using HyperZ for lossless Z-buffer compression.
Rich Heye, vice-president and general manager of ATI’s desktop business unit, said: “ATI’s new Radeon X800 GTO will let users get into the game and get lost in a truly immersive gaming experience with any of today’s top titles. With the X800 GTO’s advanced technology, ATI once again brings gamers great performance, realism and value.”
Card maker Info-Tek is the first out of the blocks with a card based on the new graphics engine. The GeCube Radeon X800 GTO comes in 128MB and 256MB editions. Both versions use Info-Tek’s Uni-Wise Fan System for fast heat dissipation and reduced fan noise of up to 20 decibels. Prices will start at £115 and both cards will feature TV-out connectivity that will support forthcoming high definition TV broadcasts.
Larry Yeo, general manager at Info-Tek’s multimedia business unit, said: “Info-Tek is committed to offering comprehensive yet flexible solutions for the gaming industry. The GeCube Radeon X800 GTO graphics is no different. Incredible gaming performance combined with low costs will prove attractive for all types of gamers.”
Cards are also expected from ATI itself as well as Giga-Byte, Abit, Asustek, Sapphire, MSI and Diamond.