SAPPHIRE Technology, industry leader in graphics solutions, has just launched an exciting new family of graphics cards bringing the latest graphics architectures and high speed interface technologies into the mainstream.
The new SAPPHIRE HD 3650 combines the latest unified shader architecture with support for Shader Model 4.1 and the forthcoming DirectX 10.1 connected via the latest PCI-Express Gen 2.0 interface. The architecture features 120 stream processors and an internal ring bus memory controller together with multiple rendering units and a programmable tessellation unit to deliver outstanding graphics performance.
Two versions of the SAPPHIRE HD 3650 will be available at launch, with performance and price dependant on the memory options. One version will be equipped with 512MB of GDDR3 memory clocked at 900MHz, and the other has 512MB of GDDR2 memory clocked at 500Mhz. Core clock in both versions will be 725MHz, and both versions use a single slot fan assisted cooler.
Both models feature the new CrossFireX technology, with two high speed connectors on each card allowing cards to be connected together for enhanced performance when installed in a CrossFireX mainboard. Manufactured in a new 55nm process technology, the GPU in the HD 3650 series features low power consumption and a feature known as ATI PowerPlay actively reduces power consumption depending on loading.
Like other models in the HD 3000 series, the SAPPHIRE HD 3650 incorporate the latest ATI Avivo™ HD Technology for enhanced Video display and features a built in UVD (Unified Video decoder) for the hardware accelerated decoding of Blu-ray™ and HD DVD content for both VC-1 and H.264 codecs, considerably reducing CPU loading. HDMI users are supported with an HDMI adaptor delivering true audio and video output on a single cable for connection to an HDMI ready display.
The SAPPHIRE HD 3650 family is available from 23rd January 2008. SAPPHIRE will be adding additional models to this family in the coming weeks.
SAPPHIRE HD 3000 series graphics cards are Microsoft Windows Vista™ Premium certified and supported by the ATI Catalyst® suite of software, ensuring customers have ongoing access to software updates for performance, stability and added features. Support for DirectX10.1 provides developers with access to enhanced programming techniques and new lighting effects.
