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In this scenario both graphics cards will operate as 12-pipeline graphics cards while in CrossFire™ mode.

9What happens if two CrossFire™ graphics card have different clock speeds?

Both cards will continue to operate at their individual clock speeds; neither card is “stepped down.” The compositing engine on the CrossFire™ card merges the resulting images independent of the clock speed on either graphics card.

10What are the rendering modes, and what are their specific advantages?

The following dynamic rendering modes are available:

•SuperTiling - CrossFire™ renders alternate 32x32 pixel squares in a fine-grained checkerboard pattern. This configuration increases image-rendering quality, as each card processes half of the complex 3D objects in the pixel squares.

•Scissor Mode - each graphics card renders up to half of the display, either vertically or horizontally depending on the game or application.

•Alternate Frame Rendering - the two graphics cards are used to render alternate frames of the display. This configuration increases the detail of the 3D objects each card can render, as each card handles half of the total number of frames.

•Super Anti-aliasing - improves image quality by combining the results of full-screen anti-aliasing across two graphics cards in a CrossFire™ configuration. The two graphics cards work on different anti-aliasing patterns within each frame.

The first three features are performance features settings automatically selected by ATI's Catalyst™ Control Center. Super Anti-aliasing is a display quality mode selectable using Catalyst™ Control Center.

11On what basis are different rendering modes chosen?

When Catalyst™ A.I. is enabled in Catalyst™ Control Center, it determines the optimal rendering mode to use, based on the application or game being used. The default rendering mode is dependant on both the hardware configuration and the application being run; typically it will be either Scissor or SuperTiling mode. If Catalyst™ A.I. is not enabled, any Direct 3D® applications that are running on a system based on graphics cards with 16-pipeline graphics processors will use SuperTiling Mode.

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ATI Technologies X1600 manual On what basis are different rendering modes chosen?
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X1600 specifications

The ATI Technologies X1600 is a notable entry in the realm of graphics cards, launched during the mid-2000s as part of the company's Radeon X1000 series. Renowned for its performance and value, the X1600 was designed to cater to gamers and multimedia enthusiasts looking for an affordable yet capable graphics solution.

One of the hallmark features of the X1600 is its implementation of the unified shader architecture. This innovative architecture allows the GPU to allocate processing power dynamically among vertex and pixel shaders, enhancing visual effects and performance in modern games of the time. Its support for Shader Model 3.0 enabled more complex pixel shaders and realistic characters and environments, providing a richer gaming experience.

The X1600 series includes several variants, with the X1600 Pro and X1600 XT being the most prominent. The X1600 XT is equipped with 12 pixel shader processors and 5 vertex shader processors, while the X1600 Pro features a slightly less potent 12 pixel and 4 vertex shading pipeline setup. This categorization allowed users to select a model that best suited their performance needs and budget constraints.

In terms of memory, the X1600 typically supports GDDR2 and GDDR3 types, providing bandwidth essential for high-resolution textures and demanding applications. With options for 256 MB to 512 MB of video memory, the X1600 can handle a variety of gaming scenarios while maintaining decent frame rates.

The X1600 introduces several technologies to enhance user experience. It includes support for High Dynamic Range (HDR) rendering, which brings a broader color range and more realistic lighting effects to games. Additionally, it supports Avivo, ATI's multimedia technology for improved video playback and processing capabilities, enhancing the experience for users interested in home theater systems.

Another significant characteristic of the X1600 is its compatibility with the PCI Express interface, allowing for greater bandwidth between the graphics card and the motherboard. This ensures that the card takes full advantage of modern computing setups, making it a versatile option for many builders and upgraders.

In summary, the ATI Technologies X1600 stands out in the mid-range graphics market due to its unified shader architecture, support for advanced shading technologies, and robust memory options. Its balance of performance and price made it a favored choice during its release, helping to shape the evolution of graphics technology in subsequent generations.
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