AMD unveils new chip

News

Matt Grainger Aug 12 2008, 11:44am

Dual processor GPU to take crown from Nvidia

Processor vendor AMD is to launch a new graphics processing unit that is expected to outperform Nvidia’s high end unit.

The ATI Radeon HD 4870 X2 is currently on the market and is to be followed by the HD 4850 X2 in September. These cards will utilise dual-core technology with a dedicated bridge chip and will be linked by AMD’s CrossFireX software, which allows multiple processors to work in tandem.

The single processor versions of these cards were outperformed by Nvidia’s recently released GTX 280, but with the addition of another processor, the tables have been turned.

The 4870 X2 will run at clock speeds of 750 MHz and has two gigabytes of GDDR5 graphics memory, while the 4850 X2 runs at 625 MHz and has two gigabytes of GDDR3 memory.

It is possible that CrossFireX dual-processor technology will be integrated in to future releases from AMD, including its forthcoming Fusion range. However, the company has yet to confirm this.

“AMD reclaims the ultimate performance crown and continues to deliver winning products to market in the ATI Radeon HD 4800 X2 series,” said Rick Bergman, senior vice president and general manager, Graphics Products Group, AMD. “The new products join a line-up of stellar offerings, all of which are designed to give gamers experiences that approach eye-definition computing.”