ATI Starts Game Certification, Ships New Radeon Cards

ATI Technologies Inc. has announced that it is introducing a new certification program for PC game developers. The program reduces the need for extensive hardware validation by developers, allowing them to devote their resources solely to creating games for end users. The cornerstone of the new program is thorough testing of applications on all ATI platforms and Catalyst releases. According to the company, ATI has created a dedicated lab for this program, to perform focused pre-release testing of partners' games for all ATI software and hardware configurations. The program will also provide partners the opportunity to maximize their relationship with ATI through promotional and marketing opportunities tailored to their needs. Game developers can participate in this program by contacting our Developer Relations team at [email protected]. In addition, the company has announced that it has shipped AGP versions of its popular Radeon X800 XL graphics cards and Radeon X850 XT graphics processors. The Radeon X800, X800 XL and X850 Series visual processors originally debuted in December for PCI Express based systems. PCI Express is rapidly replacing AGP in new PC’s as the primary interconnect technology between the main processor and the graphics subsystem. These new AGP variants will allow users who have not yet upgraded to PCI Express to use the cards. The Radeon X850 is a native AGP visual processor family featuring the Radeon X850 XT and other models. The Radeon X800 XL uses ATI’s PCI Express to AGP Bridge chip, which allows PCI Express graphics processors to be used in AGP-based computers. Radeon X800 XL and Radeon X850 AGP products from ATI and ATI board partners are available through a variety of retail and e-tail outlets as well as through OEMs and system builders.