Diamond Multimedia 9800 Series specifications ATI’s Catalyst Software Suite, Direct 3D and OpenGL

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ATI’s CATALYST™ Software Suite

Multiple Displays and 3D Gaming Experience

ATI’s CATALYST Software Suite provides multiple display functionality, and the advanced graphic features, such as SMARTSHADER 2.1, for the ultimate 3D gaming experience. For help installing the CATALYST Software Suite, refer to the Getting Started Guide.

The CATALYST Software Suite installs the ATI display tabs. These tabs are accessed through the Windows® Display Control Panel, through the Advanced... button located on the Settings tab. For a detailed explanation of each ATI tab, refer to the section CATALYST Software Suite on page 7.

Direct 3D and OpenGL

The CATALYST Software Suite also supports the latest versions of Direct 3D and OpenGL. Many new 3D game titles, and the latest versions of older titles, will virtually come to life as they utilize their advanced Direct 3D or OpenGL features. Gamers can fine-tune these settings for the ultimate experience in 3D image quality or 3D gaming performance.

ATI’s Direct 3D and OpenGL tabs are available through the Windows® Display Control Panel, through the Advanced... button located on the Settings tab.

For a detailed explanation of the Direct 3D and OpenGL tabs, refer to Direct 3D Control Panel on page 18, and OpenGL Control Panel on page 22.

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Contents Radeon 9800 Series Disclaimer Table of Contents View your PC’s display on a TV Connecting to a TV or a VCR Introduction Cinematic Rendering Features At a GlanceMultiple Displays and 3D Gaming Experience ATI’s Catalyst Software SuiteDirect 3D and OpenGL HydraVision Multiple Displays Connecting Your MonitorsDisplay Connectors Used Comments Configuration Display ConfigurationsATI Displays Tab Catalyst Software SuiteEnabling/Disabling Secondary Displays Enabling Extended Desktop ModeDynamic Display Reassignment Virtually Repositioning Your Displays Extended Desktop Mode onRatiometric Expansion ATI Color Tab These controls allow you to increase or decrease ATI Options Tab Unchecking this allows you to disable the ATI Video Overlay ATI Overlay TabOnly Clone Mode SettingsSecondary display is exactly the same manner Direct 3D Control Panel Main and Custom SettingsThis allows you to select the kind of application Selecting Application Preference allows Direct 3D Compatibility Settings OpenGL Control Panel Increases, and the quality of the final image Improves image quality, and move the slider to OpenGL Compatibility Settings Fast Write Set AGP SettingsRetest All View your PC’s display on a TV Using TV OutConnecting to a TV or a VCR Starting Windows with TV Display Enabled Using and Adjusting TV Out To Enable/Disable The TV DisplayHow TV Display Cannot Be Used Adjusting Monitor Display Using a Monitor vs. Using the TV DisplayTo Use Larger Display Fonts To Increase the Horizontal Size Reducing Edge DistortionUsing Games and Applications Changing Display ConfigurationsNSTC/PAL Support for Radeon 9800 Series

9800 Series specifications

The Diamond Multimedia 9800 Series graphics cards, particularly known for their high performance during the early 2000s, represent a significant evolution in graphics technology at the time. Targeted primarily at gaming enthusiasts and professional users, the series was pivotal for supporting advanced graphical applications, including 3D gaming and high-quality rendering.

One of the main features of the Diamond Multimedia 9800 Series is its use of the ATI Radeon 9800 GPU, which was renowned for delivering exceptional performance. With a core clock speed of 325 MHz and memory speeds reaching up to 600 MHz, it enabled stunning visuals and fluid gameplay even in the most demanding environments. The series supported DirectX 9.0, which allowed developers to create richly detailed gaming worlds and immersive graphics effects.

Another significant characteristic of the 9800 Series was its use of 256MB or 512MB of GDDR2 memory, which provided a generous bandwidth for handling complex textures and large data sets. This high memory capacity was instrumental in delivering high-resolution textures and more intricate details in games, ultimately enhancing the gaming experience. The architecture included 8 pixel shaders and 6 vertex shaders, enabling highly realistic lighting, shading, and processing of 3D environments.

The Diamond Multimedia 9800 Series also featured support for Adaptive Anti-Aliasing (AA) and Anisotropic Filtering (AF), two technologies that greatly improved visual quality. By smoothing jagged edges and enhancing texture quality over distances, these features contributed to a more immersive graphical experience.

Additionally, the card supported dual display outputs, allowing users to connect multiple monitors. This was particularly beneficial for advanced users who needed additional screen real estate for productivity or multitasking. Furthermore, the integration of video processing capabilities enabled users to enjoy high-definition multimedia playback and video editing with relative ease.

Thermal management was another highlight of the Diamond Multimedia 9800 Series, often featuring large heatsinks and fans to maintain optimal temperatures during intense gaming sessions. This emphasis on cooling played a crucial role in enhancing performance and longevity of the cards.

Overall, the Diamond Multimedia 9800 Series was a remarkable graphics solution that combined power, advanced features, and innovative technologies, solidifying its place in the annals of gaming history. It set benchmarks for future generations of graphics cards, influencing the direction of visual computing for years to come.
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