Graphics chip manufacturer ATI has finally released its long-awaited new family of Radeon X1000 video cards. The new range features the new 3D ‘R520’ technology and is expected to compete head to head with arch rival Nvidia’s GeForce 7800 series.
ATI has launched three models in the range that aims to appeal to entry level through to the most hard-bitten gamer. They range from the X1300 which, the company says, will be offered for as little as $79 through to the X1600 aimed at entry-level gamers or who are more interested in editing photos and videos. At the top of the range is the X1800 targeted at the hard-core gaming community.
The new ATI graphics architecture features an advanced shader engine with DirectX 9 Shader Model 3.0 support and additional Avivo technology designed to improve video playback quality and provide hardware-assisted H.264 and VC-1 high-definition video decoding.
The X1000 series was due to launch at the beginning of the summer. However, ‘production problems’, delayed the launch until now. ATI will now be hoping to get sufficient product into the channel to take advantage of the expected demand in the run up to Christmas.
ATI says that the Radeon X1800 and Radeon X1300 cards are shipping immediately, with additional Radeon X1800 configurations and Radeon X1600 cards shipping later in October and November.
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