PCIe 2 switch supports Radeon graphics designs

PLX Technology Inc. announced its PEX 8647 PCIe Gen 2 switch has been chosen to provide high-performance, peer-to-peer fan-out operation on AMD's ATI Radeon HD 4870 X2 Dual-GPU graphics card. The ATI Radeon HD 4870 X2 is said to offer superior graphics execution via what the company claims is the industry's fastest card utilizing two GPUs on a single board and further enhanced with ATI CrossFireX technology.

The ExpressLane PEX 8647 switch is specifically designed for demanding graphics applications. The device is a 48-lane, three-port, PCIe Gen 2 (5GTps)-compliant switch featuring large packet memory, low power management and cut-through architecture for low latency—aspects that boost performance and are suitable for the cutting-edge graphics industry.

The PEX 8647, with three x16 ports to allow for the optimal configuration of graphics applications, also offers PLX's array of performance-maximizing features such as Dual Cast, which provides simultaneous copying of data from one ingress port to two egress ports, as well as a special SW/HW development kit that enables system designers to fine-tune and perform system diagnostics.

"The ATI Radeon HD 4870 X2 graphics card, supported by the PLX PEX 8647 PCIe Gen 2 switch, has demonstrated exemplary performance in today's top intensive computer games," said Rick Bergman, senior VP and general manager, AMD graphics product group. "AMD chose the PLX chip for its industry-leading features, allowing high-bandwidth, peer-to-peer communication between two powerful, next-generation Radeon graphics processors. The PEX 8647 switch has provided AMD with enhanced flexibility and performance in our designs. PLX's technical proficiency and customer experience has been a great asset in helping us create the ATI Radeon HD 4870 X2 graphics card."

Added David Raun, VP of marketing and business development, PLX: "We are very pleased to be supporting the high standards and key product development needs of AMD and look forward to building on this success."

The PEX 8647 is in full production today and shipping in volume quantities. PLX's PCIe switches provide board and system designers with the industry's most extensive and proven lineup of products ranging in density from three to 16 ports and from four to 48 lanes.