AMD teraflop GPU pushes game realism beyond HD

Advanced Micro Devices Inc. has released the ATI Radeon HD 3870 X2 graphics processor, expanding the visual boundaries of PC entertainment beyond the 1,080p high-definition threshold. Claimed to be the industry's first graphics processor to break the teraflop barrier, AMD says the the ATI Radeon HD 3870 X2 nearly doubles the performance of ATI Radeon HD 3870 introduced in November 2007.

The 55nm process-based ATI Radeon 3870 X2 combines two ATI Radeon HD 3870s on a single graphics board, connected through integrated CrossFire technology. ATI Radeon 3870 X2 is also the graphics product to support Microsoft's upcoming DirectX 10.1 technology.

"PC gaming enthusiasts demand the ultimate in performance and scalability for their HD gaming experience and the ATI Radeon 3870 X2 sets the standard by which all should be compared in this segment," said Rick Bergman, senior VP and general manager, graphics product group, AMD. "With this launch we reaffirm our commitment to enthusiast performance leadership and send a clear message that the ATI Radeon 3870 X2 is the new gold standard of the PC gaming world."

With the upcoming introduction of Microsoft's DirectX 10.1 specification, gamers can expect more realistic gaming environments while developers have access to an increased amount of tools and resources to enhance overall image quality.

"We're pleased to see our newest DirectX 10 technology brought to market so soon with the introduction of AMD's latest enthusiast hardware," said Kevin Unangst, senior global director of games for Windows, Microsoft. "One of the greatest advantages of PC gaming is the rapid pace at which the experiences evolve and improve. ATI Radeon HD 3870 X2 delivers on the promise of DirectX 10 gaming with significantly improved visuals and enhanced performance."

ATI Radeon HD 3870 X2 will also provide support for ATI CrossFireX, the AMD multi-GPU technology designed to support up to four GPUs. Software support to enable ATI CrossFireX is planned for late Q1.

With the launch of ATI Radeon HD 3870 X2, AMD continues to support the Unified Video Decoder (UVD) and ATI Avivo HD for platform efficiency and image quality for H.264 and VC-1 HD content. Enhanced HDMI functionality is also offered via integrated HDCP and audio for HDMI video.

Suggested retail price starts at $449.