01\17\12 - Hunter Bowles for Majorgeeks.com

This is the cutting edge in gaming graphics due to be released in February. It supports the latest version of DirectX, DirectX 11.1 which is due to be released later this year. But what really got my mouth watering with this release is the PCI Express 3.0, and AMD CrossFire™ technology (AMD CrossFire technology is for CAD and DCC designers it can harness the power of two GPUs by connecting two identical AMD 3D graphics cards with an easy-to-install flex cable connection that can significantly boost performance of geometry-limited applications.) I'm excited to give this card a try and get some hands on time with it to see what it's truly capable of. For all those laptop geeks out there, there is a mobile version of this card called the Radeon 7000 series it comes embedded in certain HP and Lenova laptops.

AMD Radeon HD 7970 Graphics

The AMD Radeon HD 7970 is the first GPU based on 28nm production technology and its arrival ushers in a new era in graphics technology. Winner of numerous awards internationally, AMD Radeon HD 7970 graphics cards are available from retailers worldwide, with select models starting at USD $549 MSRP.

“With the arrival of the AMD Radeon HD 7970, AMD has ushered in a new era for graphics performance by delivering the first 28nm GPU,” said Matt Skynner, corporate vice president and general manager, AMD Graphics. “I can’t think of a better way to start 2012 than by making our cutting-edge technology available worldwide today.”

AMD Radeon™ HD 7970 graphics cards are intended for gamers who never settle. Equipped with AMD Graphics Core Next Architecture and the latest in power management technology - AMD PowerTune and AMD ZeroCore Power technologies - this card takes a no-compromise approach to gaming. The AMD Radeon HD 7970 also features PCI Express 3.0, AMD CrossFire™ technology, and is ready for DirectX® 11.1 when it arrives later this year.

“Microsoft DirectX 11.1 brings API support for enhanced high-fidelity visuals – and we’re excited to be working with AMD to unlock new levels of performance, detail and richness in games, applications, and web browsing,” said Aidan Marcuss, senior director of Windows Core Marketing & Ecosystem, Microsoft Corp. "The combination of AMD’s hardware and Microsoft Direct X 11.1 will light up Windows 8 graphics.”

The AMD Radeon HD 7970 is currently available from add-in-board partners ASUS, HIS, Powercolor, Sapphire and XFX and via retailers and e-tailers like Amazon, Cyberpower PC, iBuypower, Newegg, and NCIX.


AMD Radeon HD 7000M Notebook Graphics

Based on existing 40nm technology, the AMD Radeon HD 7000M series of mobile GPUs includes AMD dynamic switchable graphics technology, AMD Vari-Bright™ technology and AMD PowerPlay™ technology. Some variants will feature higher clocks, added support for GDDR5 and new package designs.

The AMD Radeon HD 7000M mobile GPUs are available in various laptops from HP and Lenovo.

Check out the full story at AMD Newsroom