Asustek Computer, a leading maker of mainboards, graphics cards and other computer components, plans to launch the world’s first graphics card with three graphics processing units (GPUs) onboard. The solution is unprecedented from technology point of view, however, its practical viability is under question.
Asus EAH3850 Trinity graphics card carries three MXM modules with ATI Radeon HD 3850 graphics processors onboard, bringing yet unseen performance potential thanks to 960 unified shader processors, 48 texture units and 48 render back ends. There are no details about clock-speeds, moreover, Asustek Computer is currently considering whether to release the EAH Trinity commercially or keep it a concept, reports Nordic Hardware web-site.
The idea of putting MXM modules designed for mobile personal computers onto graphics cards for desktops is not a new one: MicroStar International (MSI) once planned to create a dual-GPU graphics adapter with two MXM modules, but then decided to scrap the plans to launch such a device.
Asus EAH3850 Trinity graphics card. Photo by Nordic Hardware
Asustek’s EAH3850 Trinity graphics card uses heat-pipe-based cooling system, but may also utilize liquid cooling system in order to lower temperatures and make it possible to increase clock-speeds considerably.
The price of MXM modules carrying ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3850 graphics processors is unclear, but usually mobile graphics processors cost more compared to their desktop brethren. As a result, the cost of Asus EAH3850 Trinity may be higher than $500, whereas its actual performance may not be substantially higher compared to dual-chip ATI Radeon HD 3870 X2, which retails for $449.
Asus EAH3850 Trinity graphics card. Photo by Nordic Hardware
It is interesting to note that dual-chip desktop graphics cards based on GeForce 6-series and ATI Radeon X1000-series GPUs first emerged as concept products from companies like Asustek, Gigabyte, GeCube and some other. Only afterwards leading developers of graphics chips introduced their dual-GPU products like GeForce 7900/7950/9800 GX2 or Radeon HD 3870 X2.
Officials for Asustek Computer or ATI, graphics product group of Advanced Micro Devices, did not comment on the news-story.
Related news
- AMD Readies New ATI Radeon HD Graphics Card for Mainstream Market.
AMD Preps to Release ATI Radeon HD 3830 Graphics Adapter - ATI Radeon Graphics Cards Receive DisplayPort Certification.
VESA Certifies DisplayPort Implementation of AMD's Graphics Product Group - ATI Quietly Slashes Pricing of Latest Performance-Mainstream Graphics Cards.
AMD's Graphics Product Group Makes ATI Radeon HD 3850, 3870 More Affordable - AMD Launches ATI Radeon HD 3870 X2: Dual-Chip Graphics Card for Enthusiasts.
ATI Radeon HD 3870 X2 Set to Fight Against Nvidia GeForce 8800 Ultra, 9800 GX2 - AMD: No Compatibility Problems with PCI Express 2.0.
AMD Says It's Graphics Cards Have No PCI Express 2.0 Compatibility Issues - AMD Unveils New Lineup of Affordable ATI Radeon Graphics Cards.
ATI Radeon HD 3400 and 3600 to Replace Previous-Gen Cards - Advanced Micro Devices?Graphics Product Group Displays ATI Radeon HD 3800 X2 at CES.
AMD's New High-End Graphics Card Exposed at CES 2008
