AMD launches ATI Radeon HD 3800 series
updated 08:20 am EST, Thu November 15, 2007
ATI Radeon HD 3800
AMD's graphics card label ATI today unveiled its anticipated Radeon HD 3800 series, a new chipset that promises better performance for the mid-range as well as new graphics features. The line bucks the trend of reserving new visuals for high-end cards by introducing support for Microsoft's upcoming DirectX 10.1 (and according OpenGL 2.0 features) and its enhanced features, such as high dynamic color range for lighting and improved anti-aliasing effects. For Windows, the 3800 series also introduces CrossFire X, a new technology that allows users with supporting AMD mainboards to use as many as four graphics cards in tandem to improve 3D performance beyond even what may be possible with higher-end graphics cards.
Regardless of software, the Radeon HD 3800 series is also far cooler than the outgoing Radeon HD 2600 it replaces. A denser and more efficient 55-nanometer manufacturing process allows the card to reach twice the performance per watt while also reducing heat and the need for active cooling, ATI says. When supported by a given system, the cards also provide full hardware HD video decoding and the added bandwidth of PCI Express 2.0 slots.
The 3800 series launches with two models. A base card, the 3850, incorporates the full feature set in a single-slot design with a 670MHz core speed and 256MB of video memory at 1.66GHz. The Radeon HD 3870 switches to a double-slot size but is clocked at a minimum 775MHz and doubles the amount of memory to 512MB at a faster 2.25GHz. ATI is releasing the cards as a Windows upgrade both under its own name and with third-party manufacturers at prices of $179 and $219 respectively. Support for other operating systems has not yet been mentioned but is expected.
Radeon HD 3850
Radeon HD 3870
OpenGL2.0?
11/15, 09:21am reply
Hasn't OpenGL been at 2.1 for about a year now?
chrissyboy
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
Mac version, please!
11/15, 09:24am reply
When will we see Mac versions of these cards? Is it really that difficult for them to put Mac compatible firmware on it and put it on store shelves?
chefpastry
Mac Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2005
Mac versions - maybe soon
11/15, 09:44am reply
I wouldn't be surprised if Apple has one of these cards as an option for the upcoming Mac Pro, whenever that hits. Obviously, they don't have to worry about DirectX 10.1 support, just the OpenGL!
Commodus
Mac Elite
Joined: Feb 2002
Wating for this:
11/15, 11:36am reply
"AMD's graphics card label ATI today unveiled its anticipated Radeon HD 3800 series Mac Edition graphics cards. Starting at only $419 for the base model, Mac users everywhere should be thankful for the fact that they have any choices at all and should consider this price a great deal."
ClockNova
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jun 2001
Available market?
11/15, 12:09pm reply
clocknova; I think that's actually true given that Apple doesn't have an affordable Mac that accepts a new card. I think most of those systems are going to pros that are willing to pay what they must to be able to upgrade the machine they use for paying work.
JeffDM
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2006
Available market? None.
11/15, 02:32pm reply
You know, Jeffdm, you're absolutely right. And that's just sad.
I'm not buying another desktop Mac, ever, until they're willing to sell me one with standard replaceable parts (ie. graphic card, processor, hard drive) for under $2000. And I don't mean $1999, I mean in the neighborhood of $1500. Until then, it's hackintosh for me. Sad, but necessary.
I love my Macbook Pro, though.
ClockNova
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jun 2001
Yeesh...!
04/30, 12:23am reply
Man I need a new Mac! :p
UmarOMC
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
OpenGL 2.1 date?
04/30, 12:27am reply
August 2, 2006 was the final draft according to the OpenGL official website.
UmarOMC
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001