AMD settles on Radeon HD name, spills features
updated 10:25 am EDT, Fri April 13, 2007
AMD Radeon HD 2900 Leak
More details of AMD's next-generation graphics chipsets have surfaced, according to leaks in the run-up leading to the official launch. Once known as the X2000 series, the line will be dubbed Radeon HD to reflect both its video prowess and its role in home theater PCs. Most faster cards will have HDMI support including channeling 5.1 surround audio through the HDMI connection on equipped systems. Physics processing will be an option thanks to the chipset's generalized nature.
Exact details of the top card also put it well above the GeForce 8800 GTX, reports say. 320 stream processors more than doubles the 128 of the NVIDIA card for better 3D and is bolstered by a record 24X antialiasing for cleaner images.
Beyond the top-end card, AMD is expected to release the mid-range HD 2600 Pro and XT variants as well as entry-level HD 2400 Pro and XT versions targeted at the budget user. Naming for the notebook-oriented chips hasn't been revealed but will likely include Mobility Radeon HD chipsets.
Delayed since the originally slated April launch, the overhauled Radeons should be ready within the next few weeks, releasing shortly after NVIDIA's mid-range GeForce 8-series makes its own appearance next week. [via DailyTech]
