ATI Technologies has introduced a new graphics card based on the Radeon X1800-series design and earlier code-named as ATI R520 LE. The new chip has a bit lower performance compared to the Radeon X1800 XL, but comes at a reduced price, which allows ATI to claim “price-performance” leadership.

“ATI recognizes that there are gamers at every price point-and the Radeon X1800 GTO is a clear price-performance winner at $249,” said Vijay Sharma, director of desktop discrete graphics at ATI.

ATI Radeon X1800 GTO has 12 pixel shader processors, 8 vertex shader processors, a 256-bit GDDR3 memory interface and operates at 500MHz core and 1000MHz memory clock-speeds. The Radeon X1800 GTO graphics cards are based on the new print-circuit board design of the Radeon X1800 XL, however, some graphics cards may feature chips that were pre-tested as the Radeon X1800 XT, which operates at 625MHz and has 16 pixel shader units.

“The X1800 GTO is an important addition to the Radeon X1800 series further strengthening the mid-range market and giving users a powerful gaming card with a range of multimedia functions,” Mr. Sharma added.

The Radeon X1800 GTO graphics cards will be available from ATI’s partners for $249 by the end of the month, ATI said.