Computer Reviews

The ATI Radeon X850 Pro delivers very strong gaming performance aimed at the elite gaming segment. The X850 Pro contains 12 pixel pipelines, sports quick frame rates, and includes a load of 3D technology to take your system to a strong gaming level. There are several X850s in the series, including two platinum editions (one AGP, one PCI), the X850 XT, and the X850 Pro. While the X850 Pro is the baby of the bunch and trails behind its big brother in terms of stand alone specs, it remains a strong initial point of entry for gamers that want an elite experience without paying an elite price.

The biggest difference between the X850 Pro and other cards in the series is the number of pixel pipes – the X850 PRO has 12 and the other models have 16. Pixel pipes aside, the ATI Radeon X850 PRO still performs very well. Memory speed and engine clock speed each come in at 500MHz, and the pixel fill rate is an impressive 8 gigapixels per second. Along with an advanced design, the X850 PRO sports advanced ATI technology.

SMARTSHADER HD
CPUs historically have played a leading role regarding graphical output due to their flexibility and programmable nature. The ever improving speed and versatility of graphics cards has lessened this burden, but an optimal graphical effect has still been challenging to develop. SMARTSHADER HD is ATI’s fourth generation shader technology that allows developers to program an unlimited range of visual effects that execute on the graphics processor. This leads to more sophisticated effects and great performance.

SMOOTHVISION HD
SMOOTHVISION HD is also a fourth generation technology developed by ATI. The result of SMOOTHVISION HD integration is a high performance smoothing technology that cleans up rough edges and results in a cleaner, crisper graphic.

3Dc
3Dc is comparatively new ATI technology. 3Dc is a compression technology that highlights details while minimizing memory requirements to view them. 4:1 compression is possible, meaning that game designers can add up to four times the details, without adding memory requirements.

CATALYST
CATALYST CONTROL CENTER is a driver configuration tool that really puts the ability to tweak in the gamers’ hands. The configuration tool allows you accelerate or decelerate you graphical environment, which allows you to determine your preferred graphics solution.

Specifications:

• CPU – RADEON X850 PRO
• Maximum Resolution – 2048 x 1536 @ 85Hz
• Video Memory – 256MB
• Memory Type – 256-bit GDDR3
• Interface Type – AGP
• Interface Speed – 4X8X
• Connector(s) – DVI, TV/S-Video, VGA

In the Box

• ATI Radeon X850 Pro Video Card
• User Guide
• Drivers CD
• Dual S-Video/Composite Dongle
• Component Dongle
• S-Video Cable
• Composite Cable
• Power Connector
• DVI to VGA Adapter

In Sum
When ATI released the X850 series, they took an important step toward reasserting themselves in the premium video card market. The X850 Pro is the lowest end card in the series, but still packs a strong gaming punch. If you want to enter the elite gaming market, can compromise a little on speed and rendering, and don’t want to pay an arm and a leg, then the X850 PRO might be the card for you.