AMD's ATI XGP (External Graphics Platform) Technology is a new external PCI Express (PCIe) 2.0 graphics platform, designed to deliver enthusiast-class desktop graphic performance to notebooks.

ATI XGP is an exclusive technology that capitalizes on PCIe 2.0 to deliver quality graphics via a connected cable to an externally powered and cooled device. This device delivers up to 4.0 Gbyte/s in each direction in bandwidth communication between the notebook and external graphics. ATI XGP is fully optimized for new AMD Turion X2 Ultra notebook platforms.

ATI XGP Technology is being first launched with the newly announced ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3800 series for HD graphics. ATI XGP Technology delivers multi-GPU capabilities of scalable performance with ATI CrossFireX technology. The additional high bandwidth of the included USB 2.0 connectivity allows users to connect to a variety of USB-based devices, including external TV tuners, external Blu-ray players, and much more.

"With ATI XGP Technology, notebooks can switch between everyday computing and hard-core gaming with a simple plug-in that?s also portable enough to bring powerful 3D performance on-the-go," said Matt Skynner, vice president of Marketing, Graphics Products Group, AMD. "This technology allows users to choose notebooks with slim, lightweight and elegant designs, yet enjoy the full performance of a traditional desktop gaming rig wherever it?s convenient."

ATI XGP Technology is contained in an external chassis connected to the notebook via a specially designed self-latching PCIe 2.0 cable. The cable also provides USB 2.0 connectivity directly to the notebook allowing for additional USB functionality. Independently cooled and powered, ATI XGP Technology offers the potential for higher performance than traditional entry-level graphics solutions. Notebook users can take advantage of the varied usage scenarios including multiple monitor support, high performance gaming, Blu-ray video playback, and increased graphics performance for video editing3.

The initial offering of ATI XGP Technology features the ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3800 series graphics solution giving notebook users a variety of additional functionality including PCI Express 2.0, ATI Avivo HD Technology and integrated digital uutputs, which enable viewing standard and high-definition content on a variety of devices including HDMI with integrated audio and DVI5.