72 API Specific

Set Support DXT texture formats for Direct 3D®

This option enables support for DirectX® compressed texture formats. DXT requires half the amount of memory to draw the same amount of textures. This frees up memory while achieving high quality graphics.

1From the Tree View pane, expand 3D.

2Click API Specific.

3Select Support DXT texture formats to place a check mark in the check box.

Set Alternate pixel center for Direct 3D®

This might eliminate problems with certain Direct 3D® games that display vertical and horizontal lines around textures or display text incorrectly. This setting should only be enabled if you are experiencing these issues, as it may cause problems in other games.

1From the Tree View pane, expand 3D.

2Click API Specific.

3Select Alternate pixel center to place a check mark in the check box.

Set Triple buffering for OpenGL®

Enabling Triple buffering will improve the frame rate of games when vertical sync is enabled, only if the frame rate is less than the vertical sync refresh rate. In low memory situations, enabling Triple buffering may decrease application performance as there will be less frame buffer memory available for texture and geometry data. If there is insufficient memory available to support Triple buffering, it will automatically be disabled.

1From the Tree View pane, expand 3D.

2Click API Specific.

3Select Triple buffering to place a check mark in the check box.

Set Force 24-bit Z-buffer depth for OpenGL®

Enables you to explicitly set the Z-buffer depth. Most applications will work best with the Disabled setting.

1From the Tree View pane, expand 3D.

2Click API Specific.

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ATI Technologies X1550 SERIES Set Support DXT texture formats for Direct 3D, Set Alternate pixel center for Direct 3D
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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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