AMD GAME! spec sets baselines for game platforms
updated 09:15 am EDT, Mon May 19, 2008
AMD GAME Platform
AMD this morning hoped to wipe out some of the confusion surrounding games with the advent of its AMD GAME! platform. A more precise parallel to the company's LIVE! platform for media center PCs, the new concept would certify systems as capable of a minimum gaming experience based on their choice of AMD parts. The platform will always be "balanced" and guarantee that users get both a strong processor and a good dedicated video chipset. Buyers can pick up a game meeting a given GAME! standard knowing the system won't lag or drop frames based on a sub-par component, AMD says.
The chipmaker comes to its recommendations based on its experience with multiple games in different genres and expects to update claims as titles improve their graphics over time.
The initial spec is split into two labels, according to AMD. The base GAME! label is based around systems with an Athlon 64 X2 5600+ (2.8GHz) dual-core processor, a Radeon HD 3650 video card, and either an NVIDIA nForce 500-series or AMD 770 mainboard chipset; a GAME! Ultra spec is built for either recommended specs or very demanding games and pushes at least a Phenom X4 9650 (2.3GHz) quad-core processor as well as a Radeon HD 3870 and an AMD 770-based platform. A platform for notebooks is also expected soon.
Several PC makers are taking part in the launch and will include certain configurations from Acer, Alienware, Velocity Micro, and others. Peripheral maker Logitech and Microsoft are also involved.
