ATI HyperMemory Technology

ATI today announced HyperMemory, an innovative technology that reduces PCsystem costs by allowing its visual processors to use system memory for graphicsprocessing. HyperMemory uses the high-speed bi-directional data transfercapabilities of PCI Express to store and access graphics data in system memory,leading to less of a dependence on graphics memory and ultimately a loweroverall system cost.

Under previous interconnect standards, the data transfer between the visualprocessor and the CPU was not fast enough for real-time graphics applications,so graphics cards have shipped with up to 256 MB of dedicated graphics memory tostore textures and rendering data required by the graphics processor.HyperMemory gives ATI and its board partners the option to deliver cards withless on-board memory and instead use system memory to handle the graphicsstorage requirements. The result is a lower overall PC cost for the same greatgraphics performance.

HyperMemory uses intelligent memory allocation algorithms to optimize the use ofavailable local memory and ensure critical components are placed in fast localmemory when required. Optimal assignment of data to local or system storage isdetermined dynamically to ensure the best user experience. HyperMemory alsoincreases the performance of system bus data transfers, making accessing systemmemory faster than ever before.