Intel Announces Final Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) Interface Specification For High-Performance Workstation Market Segment

ORLANDO, Fla., July 21, 1998 – Delivering on a new graphics specification to extend the Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) interface specification for advanced workstation graphics, Intel Corporation announced at Siggraph ‘98 the availability of the final AGP Pro interface specification.

Details on the AGP Pro interface specification, included as an addendum to the AGP Interface Specification Rev 2.0, can be found at www.agpforum.org. AGP Pro is expected to deliver up to four times the electrical power of today's AGP interface specification. It includes an enhanced connector, improved cooling system, form factor specifications such as graphics card size, and layout specifications to meet the demands of workstation graphics users on both IA-32 and IA-64™ platforms. The new specification will be supported in both AGP2X and AGP4X modes.

AGP Pro includes advanced capabilities such as high-performance single and multiple image display, integrated video and 3-D functionality, and advanced realism. These features will significantly improve performance for users of simulation, mechanical CAD, financial modeling and digital content creation applications.

Support from IHVs and OEMs
"With this enhanced specification, coupled with the latest advancements in both processor and graphics technology – as exemplified by Pentium® II Xeon™ processors and REALimage – the best solution for professional graphics users is an Intel-based one," said Rick Maule, vice president and general manager, E&S Desktop Graphics.

"The Intel platform with AGP Pro will enable 3Dlabs to deliver innovative and high-performance 3-D graphics solutions on the IA-32 and IA-64 architectures," said Neil Trevett, vice president of marketing at 3Dlabs, Inc. (NASDAQ:TDDDF). "3Dlabs has been working closely with Intel to ensure that the AGP Pro specification will leverage our future high-end workstation graphics products."

"Compaq is excited to have worked with Intel on the release of the final AGP pro specification because it represents the beginning of a new generation of highly integrated 3D graphics products," said Les Crudele, vice president and general manager, Compaq's Workstation Division.

"Dell will continue to work closely with the industry's leading high-end 3-D graphics board manufacturers in the development of extremely high-performance products based on the AGP Pro specification," said Jeff Clarke, vice president, Dell Precision WorkStations. "Integration of video and 3-D graphics will soon be a reality, pushing the capabilities of workstations even further into new frontiers of the computing market."

"Intel's AGP Pro interface specification will shatter current bandwidth and power limitations, enabling Raycer Graphics to deliver the industry's most powerful 3-D solutions," said Dave Epstein, president, CEO and founder of Raycer Graphics.

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