Graphics Accelerators support PCI Express(TM) architecture.

Press Release Summary:



Included within Visualization Series, FireGL V7100(TM) supports dual DVI and dual link configurations, and has 256 Mb memory and visual processing unit (VPU) with 16 pixel pipelines and 6 vertex processors. With dual DVI outputs, FireGL V5100(TM) has 128 Mb memory and VPU with 12 pixel pipelines and 6 vertex processors. FireGL V3200(TM) offers 128 Mb memory, 4 pixel pipelines and 2 vertex pipelines, while FireGL V3100(TM) adds dual display support via VGA and DVI outputs.



Original Press Release:



ATI's FireGL(TM) Graphics Accelerators to Drive Adoption of New PCI Express(TM) Bus Interface in Workstation Market



Full Line-up of Native PCI Express Workstation Graphics Accelerators Bring Significant Performance Improvements to Users

MARKHAM, ON - June 1, 2004 - On the eve of the major industry transition to PCI Express(tm), ATI Technologies Inc. (TSX: ATY, NASDAQ: ATYT) today announces a complete line-up of FireGL(tm) workstation graphics accelerators with full native support for this new bus architecture. The newly branded Visualization Series will offer four new graphics accelerators; the high-end FireGL V7100(tm), mid-range FireGL V5100(tm), and redefining the entry-level segment, the FireGL V3200(tm) and the FireGL V3100(tm). Having worked closely with Intel to implement native PCI Express architecture, these new high-performance workstation graphics accelerators bring significant bandwidth and feature improvements to the FireGL family.

"The new Visualization Series of FireGL workstation graphics accelerators have implemented native PCI Express capabilities while increasing the feature set available," said Dinesh Sharma, Director, Workstation Products, ATI. "Not only can users benefit from the increased bandwidth of the new bus with simultaneous upstream and downstream traffic, but features such as stereo 3D, dual link, and increased vertex processors and pixel pipelines will result in significant performance benefits to workstation customers."

With 256 MB of memory, and a Visual Processing Unit (VPU) architected with a stunning 16 pixel pipelines and six vertex processors, the FireGL V7100 doubles the rendering power of ATI's previous high end FireGL products and excels at the most demanding of high-end 3D applications, such as Catia, Maya, Softimage|XSI and SolidWorks. Important for workstation customers, the FireGL V7100 supports dual DVI configurations, as well as dual link, the ability to support ultra high end resolution 9 megapixel displays.

The FireGL V5100 has 128MB of memory, features a VPU with twelve pixel pipelines and six vertex processors and has dual DVI outputs. Bringing high end features to the entry level price segment, the FireGLV3200 offers 128 MB of memory, 4 pixel pipelines and 2 vertex pipelines. At the value end, the FireGL V3100 also offers 128 MB of memory, 4 pixel pipelines and 2 vertex processors, with dual display support via VGA and DVI outputs. As a response to customer requests, stereo 3D capability with quad-buffered output is standard on the FireGL V7100, FireGL V5100 and the FireGL V3200 cards.

"With a top-to-bottom lineup of native PCI Express cards for the workstation market, developers will be able to design features in their software that benefit all users right from the start," said Dr. Jon Peddie, President of Jon Peddie Research, the leading workstation market research firm, located in Tiburon, CA. "By maximizing the bandwidth and performance capabilities of this new architecture, regardless of price segment, ATI offers users transitioning to PCI Express a future-proof solution."

ATI's FireGL products are supported by a unified driver, which is tested and certified by professional 3D ISV partners, making system administration and upgrades cost effective and simple. All FireGL products come with a three year warranty and unlimited direct access to a dedicated workstation technical support team.

For more information about ATI's FireGL workstation graphics products, please visit http://www.ati.com/FireGL.

About ATI Technologies

ATI Technologies Inc. is a world leader in the design and manufacture of innovative 3D graphics and digital media silicon solutions. An industry pioneer since 1985, ATI is the world's foremost visual processor unit (VPU) provider and is dedicated to deliver leading-edge performance solutions for the full range of PC and Mac desktop and notebook platforms, workstation, set-top and digital television, game console and handheld markets. With 2003 revenues in excess of US $1.3 billion, ATI has more than 2,500 employees in the Americas, Europe and Asia. ATI common shares trade on NASDAQ (ATYT) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (ATY).

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