API Specific 71

Discard your settings

•Click Discard to ignore any unsaved changes and restore the settings that existed when the Catalyst™ Control Center was opened or the last time Apply was used. Discard does not close the Catalyst™ Control Center.

Clicking Discard applies to all features of an aspect, not just the feature in the current view.

Restore default settings

1Move the mouse to the bottom right-hand corner of the window.

2Click Defaults.

Note: Clicking Defaults will restore the defaults for the current view only. Previous settings are not altered and will be saved once you click OK.

API Specific

Use the API Specific dialog to select settings that are exclusively for the Direct 3D® and OpenGL® Application Programmable Interfaces (API). These settings are provided for resolving certain incompatibilities within 3D applications that use one of these APIs.

Use this dialog when you are know which type of API (Direct 3D® or OpenGL®) your 3D application uses, and you want to select a particular API-specific feature.

If you are not sure which API your 3D application uses, consult the documentation of your 3D application.

Set Enable geometry instancing

Geometry Instancing allows the GPU to create multiple objects from a single geometric model, rather than passing an entire new model for each item on the screen. This increases the rendering speed of images such as leaves, or grass.

1From the Tree View pane, expand 3D.

2Click API Specific.

3Select Enable geometry instancing to place a check mark in the check box.

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ATI Technologies X1550 SERIES manual Set Enable geometry instancing, Click API Specific
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X1550 SERIES specifications

The ATI Technologies X1550 series, released in 2006, is a key component of the Radeon line aimed at delivering affordable yet capable graphics performance for entry-level desktop and mobile computing. This graphics card series is based on the RV530 architecture, which was designed to offer strong visual quality and a variety of features suited for mainstream users.

One of the standout characteristics of the X1550 series is its support for DirectX 9.0c and Shader Model 3.0. This enables the card to handle a range of graphics-intensive applications and games that utilize advanced shading techniques, providing a richer visual experience. Additionally, the inclusion of OpenGL support empowers software development for applications in CAD and 3D rendering, making it versatile for both gamers and professional users alike.

The X1550 series caters to various segments with different configurations, including the X1550 Pro, X1550, and X1550 XT. Users can expect these cards to come equipped with 128MB to 512MB of GDDR2 or GDDR3 memory, depending on the model. The memory bandwidth and capacity enhance the ability to render graphics smoothly even at higher resolutions, ensuring that users can enjoy a decent gaming experience on budget.

Another significant feature of the X1550 series is its implementation of ATI’s Avivo technology, which enhances video playback and enables high-quality video encoding. Avivo includes features such as UVD (Unified Video Decoder), allowing for efficient video playback and improved power management, which is especially beneficial for laptops.

The card also supports ATI's CrossFire multi-GPU technology, which allows users to link multiple graphics cards for enhanced performance in gaming and graphic rendering tasks. This scalability ensures that even entry-level graphics solutions can meet the demands of more modern applications when combined with another compatible card.

In terms of connectivity, the X1550 series comes with various output options, including DVI and VGA outputs, ensuring compatibility with a wide array of monitors. Some models also support HDMI, enabling users to connect to high-definition displays for an expanded viewing experience.

Overall, the ATI Technologies X1550 series stands out as a cost-effective solution for users seeking decent graphics performance without the financial investment associated with higher-end models. Its balance of features, from support for modern graphics APIs to video playback technologies, makes it a noteworthy option for entry-level gaming and general multimedia tasks.
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