Information

X-bit Labs for mobile users! Do not forget that we are running a special version of X-bit Labs web-site for users of mobile and handheld devices: http://pda.xbitlabs.com. Check out our news and articles from smartphones and PDAs to be always updated on the latest computer and technology news.

Video

Albatron Releases PCI Express Bridge for AGP 8x Graphics Cards.

Albatron’s ATOP Breathes New Life into AGP-8x Graphics Cards

Category: Video

by Anton Shilov

[ 05/16/2005 | 11:39 AM ]

Mainboard and graphics cards maker Albatron Technology on Monday unveiled a device that lets conventional AGP 8x graphics cards to operate with PCI Express bus. The manufacturer claims that the new product allows easy and affordable upgrade path for those who would like to upgrade to a new PCI Express platform, but keep their AGP 8x graphics card.

<%BANNER[article_nw]%>

Albatron’s ATOP(AGP-to-PCI Express) bridge card is based on an AGP-to-PEG x16 bridge-chip, but Albatron itself does not declare which one. Currently graphics chips designers ATI Technologies and NVIDIA Corp. supply their Rialto and BR02 bridge-chips to their partners. Since Albatron makes graphics cards only based on the GeForce-series graphics processing units from NVIDIA, the ATOP may be based on NVIDIA’s BR02 bridge that the company uses with its GeForce PCX and some GeForce 6800-series graphics cards allowing AGP 8x GPUs to operate on systems supporting only PCI Express bus and also utilizes on some GeForce 6-series graphics cards to let PEG x16 GPUs to work in AGP 8x systems.

Graphics card should be plugged into AGP 8x slot located on the top edge of the ATOP and then the whole construction should be installed into a computer with PCI Express x16 bus. Albatron notes that a special bracket should be used for ATOP and an AGP 8x graphics card.

It is unclear whether ATOP allows installing full-profile AGP 8x graphics card, or only lets using low-profile AGP 8x graphics cards due to computer cases space constraints. In case full-profile graphics cards cannot be used with ATOP, the market the device may address will be limited to a relatively small install base of low-profile graphics cards.

While the initial breed of PCI Express-supporting platforms sometimes did not provide any performance benefits over AGP-supporting computers, current PCI Express mainboards for Intel and AMD processors support certain exclusive capabilities, such as dual-core processors and powerful overclocking tools for computer enthusiasts.

Pricing and availability details were not released.

Discussion

Comments currently: 4
Discussion started: 05/16/05
View comments

Add your Comment

Name/Nickname
Your Comments
 

News Archive

Video

May, 2005
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
1213
14
15
16
1718
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
3031    
 
< April, 2005 June, 2005 >
 

Latest News

Thursday, May 15, 2008

11:21 am | Other AMD’s Plans to Build Fab in New York Are “Moving Along”. AMD Still Intends to Build a Fab in the USA

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

11:11 pm | Storage DVD Will Remain Primary Optical Storage Media on PC Market Till 2012 – IDC. Analysts Expect DVD to Dominate in PC Space Till 2012, Despite of Blu-Ray Ramp

5:41 pm | Mobile OCZ Offers Enthusiasts “Do-It-Yourself” Notebooks. OCZ to Allow Gamers to Build Their Own Laptops

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

11:46 pm | Other Dell Denies Abandon of XPS Gaming PC Brand. Dell Plans to Invest “Like Crazy” into Alienware, but Leave XPS in Place

10:25 pm | Mobile MSI’s Wind Set to Start Blowing in June, Specifications Transpire. MSI Preps to Launch “Wind” Laptops in June

4:25 pm | CPU Nvidia Has No Plans to Take Over Via Technologies, Says Chief Exec. Nvidia Denies Intentions to Buy Via Technologies – CEO

11:34 am | Other HP Acquires Electronic Data Systems Service Company. HP Takes Over EDS for $13.9 Billion to Boost IT Service Business

 
News Archive