ATI Technologies, a leading supplier of graphics processing units (GPUs), is expected to drop the prices on graphics cards featuring the Radeon X1000-series GPUs shortly following the release of the GeForce 7900-series products of arch-rival Nvidia Corp., has learnt.

The Markham, Ontario-based GPU supplier is projected to announce price slash on the Radeon X1900-, X1800-, X1600 and X1300-series products shortly, according to sources familiar with the plans of the graphics giant. The decrease of the prices will help ATI to more efficiently compete against Nvidia Corp.'s new products which release will spur lowering the prices across-the-board.

After the price-drop, the Radeon X1900 XTX ?the current flagship of ATI ?will cost $549, the Radeon X1900 XT will drop to $479, while the Radeon X1800 XT products with 512MB or 256MB should cost around $299 (512MB version will cost higher than that). Additionally, ATI is expected to introduce Radeon X1800 XL 512MB for $299 and drop the price of the Radeon X1800 XL 256MB.

Earlier it was reported that Nvidia's yet to be released GeForce 7900 GTX 512MB graphics board ?the future top-of-the-range part from Nvidia ?has planned retail price tag of $499, whereas the GeForce 7900 GT is projected to be available for $299. The manufacturer's suggested retail price of the GeForce 7800 GTX 512 will be down to $399, according to sources with knowledge of the matter.

Sources also confirmed the release of the Radeon X1800 GTO for the price-range of $199 - $249 and said that the Radeon X1600 XT as well as the X1600 Pro will have recommended pricing of $149 and $109 respectively this spring.

ATI Technologies officials did not comment on the news-story.

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