ATI Intros High-End FireGL X2-256t Card

ATI Technologies Inc. is extending its line of workstation graphics accelerators today with the introduction of the high-end FireGL X2-256t.

Based on ATI’s award-winning scalable workstation graphics architecture, this turbo-charged graphics board delivers the industry’s fastest 3D performance for products under $1000.

The FireGL X2-256t is capable of handling users’ most demanding projects when running high-end 3D applications based on OpenGL and DirectX 9. Featuring increased engine and memory speeds, plus a redesigned board with a performance-enhancing copper fan, the FireGL X2-256t delivers up to 25% more processing power than its predecessor. Four geometry engines and eight parallel rendering pipelines power the board which comes with 256MB of graphics memory and dual DVI-I connectors. The FireGL X2-256t delivers fast 3D performance, superior quality imaging and ISV certification for professional applications such as 3dsmax, SolidWorks, MicroStation, Maya, and Softimage XSI.

“With performance that rivals competitive products costing twice as much, the FireGL X2-256t features advanced pixel shader support and the ability to render complex models, scenes and effects in real-time,” said Dinesh Sharma, Director, Workstation Products, ATI Technologies. “This turbo-charged accelerator enables 3D professionals to speed up their production pipeline, delivering high-end performance and ISV certification for sophisticated CAD (computer aided design), solid modeling, DCC (digital content creation) and visual simulation applications.”

The FireGL X2-256t has an MSRP of US $899 and will be available later this month through workstation OEMs, system integrators and value added resellers. The FireGL X2-256t joins the existing products in the FireGL family including the entry-level FireGL T2-128, the mid-range FireGLâ„¢ Z1-128, the FireGL X1-128 and the MOBILITY FireGL T2 processor for mobile workstations.