Advanced Installation: PCIe™ 11

6Align your ATI graphics card with the slot and press it in firmly until the card is fully seated.

7Remove the power cable from the hard drive power connector.

8Connect the power extension cable to the 4-pin power connection on the graphics card.

9Connect the power extension cable to the power supply.

10Connect the power extension cable to the hard drive.

11Screw in or fasten the graphics card securely. Make sure the cables are not interfering with anything inside the computer (for example, a cooling fan) and replace the computer cover.

12Reconnect any cables you have disconnected and plug in the computer’s power cord.

13Turn on the monitor, and then your computer.

Your computer will beep, possibly show a warning message on your display, and the boot process will stop if the graphics card is not correctly connected to the power supply.

Advanced Installation: PCIe™

There are two types of installation. If your Radeon® graphics card does not require a separate connection to the computer’s power supply, follow the Basic Install instructions. If your graphics card require a separate connection to the computer’s power supply, follow the Advanced Install instructions for either AGP or PCIe™, as appropriate.

Radeon® graphics cards that require connection to the computer’s power supply will have a power cable connected to them.

Consult your system builder or OEM to ensure that your system has an adequate power supply. A PCI Express® compatible system has a specialized 12V graphics card power connector. A 450 watt or greater power supply is recommended. Consult your computer system manual to ensure the power supply is designed to accommodate a high-end graphics card with a peak dissipation above 75 watts.

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ATI Technologies X1600 manual Advanced Installation PCIe
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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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