HIS, a maker of graphics cards based on graphics processors from ATI Technologies, demonstrated at Computex Taipei 2006 trade-show a graphics card that can work in modern computers with PCI Express bus and also in outdated systems featuring accelerated graphics port (AGP) slot. The product may be an interesting option for some customers, however, previous attempts to release this kind of board did not turn into success.

The graphics boards producer showcased its Radeon X1600 Pro-based graphics card with native PCI Express x16 interface and “bridged” AGP 8x connector for older machines. The product does not differ from any other graphics card powered by ATI Radeon X1600 Pro in terms of clock-speeds or performance, but is equipped with ATI Rialto chip that enables AGP bus support.

HIS Radeon X1600 Pro Dual Interface come with 256MB of GDDR2 memory, four DVI-I ports (only two can be used at the same-time) and a small cooling fan. Theoretically, the graphics card can also work in CrossFire mode when two of such cards are installed into PCI Express-supporting computer system.

Theoretically, dual interface graphics cards may be an option for those, who use AGP systems today, want to have a modern graphics card, which can be used with future computers as well. On the other hand, AGP systems today are unlikely candidates for upgrade, as their owners may not be interested in increased graphics sub-system performance.

A year ago MicroStar International (MSI) demonstrated its Radeon X800 XL-based product for AGP or PCI Express system, but never released the part to the market due to unknown reasons.

Neither MSI, nor HIS, demonstrated dual interface graphics cards working, but showed them off just as prototype cards, without plugging them into real computers.