SAPPHIRE Launches New Graphics Card Series
SAPPHIRE Technology has launched a new series of graphics cards combining the latest graphics architectures with high speed interface technologies, high performance and exceptional value for money.
SAPPHIRE Technology, industry leader in graphics solutions, has just launched an exciting new series of graphics cards combining the latest graphics architectures with high speed interface technologies, high performance and exceptional value for money.
The new SAPPHIRE HD 3000 series combines a unified shader architecture with support for Shader Model 4.0 and the forthcoming DirectX 10.1 connected via the latest PCI-Express Gen 2.0 interface. The architecture shares the 320 stream processors and 512-bit internal ring bus memory controller of the previous high end SAPPHIRE HD 2900 models together with multiple rendering units and a programmable tessellation unit to deliver outstanding graphics performance. Now manufactured in a new 55nm process technology, the GPU in the HD 3000 series delivers this performance with lower power consumption and at lower cost than previous generations. A new feature known as ATI PowerPlay actively reduces power consumption depending on loading.
Two models are available from launch. The SAPPHIRE HD 3870 has 512MB of high performance GDDR4 memory, clocked at 1175MHz (2.35GHz effective) and the GPU core is clocked at 775MHz. A two slot fan cooler is used, evacuating outside the case through the slotted rear bracket. This is expected to provide enthusiasts with efficient cooling even when pushing the card to its limits. The SAPPHIRE HD 3850 has 256MB of GDDR3 memory, running at 830MHz (1.66GHz effective) and has a core clock speed of 670MHz. This model uses a single slot cooler.
Both models feature the new CrossFireX technology, with two high speed connectors on each card allowing 2, 3 or even 4 graphics cards to be daisy-chained together for enhanced performance when installed in a CrossFireX mainboard. As each card has two dual-link DVI connectors, this allows up to eight monitors to be used at the same time, or - with CrossFire enabled - two GPU’s (and up to four with future driver releases) to provide a more powerful rendering solution.
Both models in the HD 3000 series incorporate the latest ATI Avivo™ HD Technology for enhanced Video display and feature a built in UVD (Unified Video decoder) for the hardware accelerated decoding of Blu-ray™ and HD DVD content for both VC-1 and H.264 codecs, considerably reducing CPU loading. HDMI users are supported with an HDMI adaptor delivering true audio and video output on a single cable for direct connection of an HDMI ready display.
The SAPPHIRE HD 3870 and HD 3850 are available from 15th November 2007. SAPPHIRE will be adding additional models in the HD 3000 series in the coming weeks.
SAPPHIRE HD 3000 series graphics cards are Microsoft Windows Vista™ Premium certified and supported by the ATI Catalyst® suite of software, ensuring customers have ongoing access to software updates for performance, stability and added features. Support for DirectX10.1 provides developers with access to enhanced programming techniques and new lighting effects.
SAPPHIRE HD 3870 Specifications
SAPPHIRE HD 3850 Specifications
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