Info History of ATi Graphics cards Vol. 1

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History of ATi Graphics cards Vol. 1
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On August 20, 1985, Lee Ka Lau, P. H. Lau, Kwok Yuen Ho, and Benny Lau from Hong Kong, China founded ATI as Array Technology Inc. in Canada.On December 18, 1985, it was renamed ATI Technologies Inc.

On June 24, 2006, AMD announced the acquisition of ATi for US$5.4 billion and completed the acquisition on October 25, 2006.

In the past 21 years, ATI has dedicated many beautiful graphics cards, even ATI cannot sort out the graphics card information. Many articles related to the history of ATI graphics cards are too superficial, which is not very helpful for computer hardware collectors. As a collector of computer hardware, the author writes a history of ATI graphics cards from the perspective of collection identification, focusing on introducing early ATI graphics cards and engineering sample graphics cards to create a collection guide for ATI graphics cards. In order to fully display the ATi graphics card, this article uses many pictures from collectors and websites. Thank you very much!

1.Graphics Solution series

At the beginning of its establishment, Working primarily in the OEM field, ATI produced integrated graphics cards for PC manufacturers such as IBM and Commodore.

ATI’s early graphics cards have very little information. Fortunately, almost all of them have passed the FCC ID certification, which is an important way to understand ATI graphics card models.

ATI's first product is Color Emulation Card. The card came equipped with a minimum of 16KB of memory. It was used for outputting text to a TTL monitor via a 9-pin DE-9 connector. I have never seen the Color Emulation Card, even the pictures are not left, maybe it is not a standard ISA interface card.

Graphics Solution series graphics cards are the earliest ATI graphics cards and the earliest ATI graphics cards that can be collected. The main chips and components of Ati's early graphics cards were not all developed by itself, but they were keen to put on the logo to declare the brand.

Graphics Solution series graphics cards have four models.

1.1 Graphics Solution

Graphics Solution is based on the UM6845E CRT controller, with the use of Central chip CW16800-A (ATI used ASIC technology to develop the first chip in October 1985), manufactured 8-bit ISA interface graphics card. This card uses the 64KB DRAM,supports Hercules Graphics Card mode and extended 132x25 / 132x44 text-modes on TTL Monochrome monitors,以及All CGA modes on both CGA/EGA and TTL Monochrome monitors。Composite output is available on an internal 3-pin connector (no support for colors, Works only in the 40x25 text-mode or 320x200 graphics modes)

Graphics Solution graphics cards have 3 revisions. Most of the ones that can be seen and collected are the REV 3 version, the REV 2 version is very rare, and the REV 1 or REV 0 version is only seen in the promotional pictures of ATi.

1.1.1 Graphics Solution REV 1

Graphics_Solution_rev1.jpg

The Graphics Solution graphics card in the picture is from ATI's official announcement picture, which is undoubtedly an engineering sample. It may be REV 1 or even REV 0 . The display chip is Hitachi HD460505SP-1, not UM6845 commonly used by ATI.
 

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10.8 NEXUS 128

NEXUS 128 is a powerful, 128-bit graphics force in the studio. This ultra-fast graphics accelerator board supports ultra-high resolutions of 1920x1200 in both 2D and 3D.

True color (32-bit) Workstation graphics

128-bit 2D/3D acceleration

32MB of powerful graphics memory

Ultra-high resolution support up to 1920x1200

PN 109-57500-00A

NEXUS 128 Official announcement picture(Engineering Sample)

NEXUS_128.jpg
 

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10.9 All In Wonder 128

October 14, 1999 ATI announces the 32MB All-in-Wonder 128, the most versatile combination TV, video and graphics board on the market.Features advanced dbx stereo TV tuner, Digital VCR, Video Capture, Real-time video compression and DTV readiness.

PN 109-53400-11
RAGE_128_AIW.jpg
 

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11. Rage 128 Pro series

In 1999, NVIDIA gradually emerged as a king in the 3D graphics card battle, and it has the potential to succeed the former king of 3DFX. At that time, NVIDIA was the first to launch the revolutionary GeForce 256. Although ATI's Rage 128 Pro was excellent, it could not compete with the powerful and advanced GeForce 256. Later, ATI adopted Dual ASIC dual-chip technology to launch the "Aurora project"

April 6, 1999 ATI Technologies Inc. announced the performance-enhanced RAGE 128 PRO AGP 4X chips: the best of class RAGE 128 PRO GL for entry level Workstation and high end PC markets and the cost effective RAGE 128 PRO VR for mainstream commercial and consumer markets.First chip in the world to integrate a DVI-compliant TMDS transmitter

11.1 Rage Fury Pro

August 5, 1999 ATI Technologies Inc. announced the 32MB RAGE FURY PRO. The RAGE FURY PRO offers performance up to 50 per cent faster in 3D Winbench performance and up to 40 per cent faster frame rates in Quake III at 1,024 x 768 in 32-bit than the previous RAGE FURY.

The RAGE FURY PRO's 32MB of memory can handle even the most texture-laden games and its 32-bit true color capability is ideal for performance gaming and high end 3D and video applications.

Ready for the next generation of AGP 4X systems, the RAGE FURY PRO provides full AGP 4X support.

11.1.1 SDRAM

11.1.1.1 Engineering Sample

PN 109-63200-00B

RAGE FURY PRO first introduced a version of SDRAM video memory that supports VIVO. Later there was a DVI output version.

Rage_Fury_Pro_anandtech.com.jpg

(From anandtech.com)
 

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11.1.2 SGRAM

The RAGE FURY PRO that uses SGRAM video memory supports DVI display and also supports VIVO (PN 109-68200-00).

11.1.2.1 Engineering Sample

PN 109-63100-00B

RAGE_FURY_PRO.jpg

RAGE_FURY_PRO_2.jpg
11.1.2.2 Qualification Sample

The sample sticker on the back of the graphics card is torn off, only the sticker on the EEPROM remains, which is almost the same as the official version.

PN 109-63100-00
Rage_128_Pro_QS_1.jpg
Rage_128_Pro_QS.jpg
 
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History of ATi Graphics cards Vol. 1
11.2 Xclaim Dual Rage128 Pro
This graphics card is dedicated to Power MAC G4.
11.2.1 Engineering Sample
PN 109-63000-00A
The chip number is 215R4GAUC11. Generally speaking, ATi's Rage and Radeon series chips, the last two numbers are "11" are ES chips, but some are not marked.
Xclaim_Dual_Rage128Pro_ES.jpgXclaim_Dual_Rage128Pro_ES_2.jpg

11.2.2 Official product
PN 109-63000-00
Rage128_PRO_63001.jpgRage128_PRO_63001_1.jpg

There is also a PN 109-72700-00 for Power MAC G4, the DVI interface is replaced by Apple Display Connector (ADC).
 
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11.3 Xpert 2000 PRO

November 8, 1999 ATI Technologies Inc.announced the 32MB Xpert 2000 PRO accelerator board for retail and PC OEM markets, an add-in card that offers class-leading 2D and 3D graphics and hardware DVD video Playback with 32MB of memory.

The Xpert 2000 PRO is ideal for system builders and OEMs looking to differentiate their lower cost PCs. Traditionally, low cost PCs come with just 8 MB of graphics memory, poor 2D and 3D and no DVD.

PN 109-65700-20

Xpert2000Pro.jpg
 
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11.4 Rage Fury MAXX

October 7, 1999 ATI announces RAGE Fury MAXX , uses dual RAGE 128 Pro Processors and 64 MB of memory to deliver 500 Megapixels/second of raw 3D performance for the Power Gamer.

Rage Fury MAXX is the legendary ATI "Aurora", and essentially wants to learn the dual core of Voodoo5 5500.Due to the lack of advanced features, Rage Fury MAXX is just a bloated product that has not responded well to the market. However, the highlight of the dual-core Rage Fury MAXX has become the most nostalgic and most collectible ATI graphics card.

11.4.1 Single head

11.4.1.1 Two EEPROM Engineering Sample

PN 109-67300-00A

Rage_Fury_MAXX_ES.jpg
 
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11.4.1.2 DIY?

PN 109-67300-00

This card may be a DIY work by hardware enthusiasts. Although it was unsuccessful, it recorded the madness of the year.

RAGE_FURY_MAXX_DUO.jpg
 
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11.5.2 Official product

PN 109-73100-01

Rage128_ultra_Palcal.jpg


Rage128_ultra_Palcal_1.jpg
(From Palcal on vgamuseum.info)

There is also the PN 109-78200-00 of the same NLX board type, which is 4/8 memory chips (16/32MB).
 
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11.5 All In Wonder 128 Pro

November 8, 1999 ATI technologies Inc.announced the All-in-Wonder 128 PRO, bringing together ATI's unique TV tuning features and the RAGE 128 Pro graphics chip with industry-leading graphics features and performance on a single board.

11.5.1 Engineering Sample

PN 109-65600-00C
All-in-Wonder_128_Pro_thandor.net.jpg

All-in-Wonder_128_Pro_thandor.net_1.jpg
 

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12. Mobile series

ATI launched the Mobile series chips for notebook computers.

12.1 Rage LT

The PCI interface Rage LT chip similar to the Rage II, the earliest was in mobile applications like notebook computers.Mobile chips based on 3D Rage Pro chips have begun to be widely used.

November 11, 1996 ATI Technologies Inc.announced the industry's first LCD accelerator to integrate high performance 3D rendering, leading 2D performance, TV-quality video Playback, true color DAC and LVDS transmitters, on a single-chip. The 3D RAGE LT will provide users of laptops, as well as emerging applications such as desktop flat panel monitors and LCD panel projectors, with a full range of features and levels of performance previously achievable only on desktop computers.

12.2 3D RAGE LT PRO

November 10, 1997.ATI announces the 3D RAGE LT PRO.

The 3D RAGE LT PRO, based on ATI's new market leader 3D RAGE PRO accelerator, has the fastest 2D and 3D performance in the mobile market.

First mobile AGP 3D notebook chip

First with Tri-View™ (for simultaneous disPlay on LCD, CRT, TV)

First with hardware acceleration for software DVD

First with 65 MHz integrated LVDS transmitters-~Fastest 2D and 3D performance for notebook market

Engineering Sample

PN 109-45400-00C
RAGE_LT_PRO_3.148.jpg

RAGE_LT_PRO_3.148_1.jpg
 

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12.3 RAGE Mobility-M and RAGE Mobility-P

November 2, 1998

ATI Technologies Inc. announced its new RAGE Mobility family of graphics accelerators, the RAGE Mobility-M and RAGE Mobility-P. These new products enable a "one-component graphics sub-system solution" and bring high-end performance in 2D, 3D and software DVD to the mainstream notebook segments.

The RAGE Mobility family extends the capability of theRAGE LT PRO graphics accelerator.

The RAGE Mobility-M and RAGE Mobility-P are pin-compatible with the ATI RAGE LT PRO

12.4 RAGE Mobility-M1

February 22, 1999 ATI announces RAGE Mobility-M1 -- the world's first notebook PC graphics accelerator with 8MB of integrated memory.

RAGE Mobility-M1 is pin-compatible with RAGE Mobility-M and P and is available in a similar package to RAGE Mobility-M, P and RAGE LT PRO. With the addition of the RAGE Mobility-M1

12.5 Rage Mobility 128

October 25, 1999

ATI announces RAGE Mobility 128 - world's fastest single-chip graphics subsystem for notebook PCs

Brings 128-bit desktop graphics to mobile computing for the first time

mobility128engineeringsample.jpg

(From anandtech.com)

12.6 Rage Mobility M4

October 30, 2000 ATI Technologies Inc.announced Mobility M4, the industry's first shipping AGP 4X graphics component for the mobile platform.
 

Avalon

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Are you the same guy that did the similar 3DFX thread? If so, thank you. If not, thank you for this, anyway! I remember a lot of these cards, all the way back to the Mach64.
 

Borealis7

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i gamed through the 90s on an S3 Virge 4MB (we didn't need no stinking VGA card before '95), but around 1999 i got an ATI Rage II Pro 8MB to pair with my Creative VooDoo 2 8MB. i was king back then :)