ATI is offering the following RAGE 128-based graphics accelerators.

ATI RAGE ORION (16MB)
The RAGE ORION is the power gamer's ultimate choice. With new technologies such as SuperScaler Rendering and Twin-Cache architecture, the RAGE ORION is optimized to provide high performance frame rates, 32-bit (true color) 3D rendering and life-like QuickDraw 3D / RAVE and OpenGL game performance.

ATI Nexus 128 (32MB)
Nexus 128 offers a graphics accelerator for high performance 2D and 3D design with a huge 32MB frame buffer for ultra high resolutions, and 32-bit (true color) 3D rendering for enhanced visual quality. The Nexus 128 is configured with 32MB of memory for performance with demanding Quick Draw 3D / RAVE and OpenGL 3D modeling, visualization and animation applications.

ATI Xclaim VR 128 (16MB)
The Xclaim VR 128 is a 128-bit multimedia, graphics and TV upgrade. With unmatched features and performance, the Xclaim VR 128 comes with 16MB of memory and offers 2D, 3D and QuickTime video acceleration along with video capture, TV/Video out and Xclaim TV, an external TV-tuner.

Q2:

What is the graphics controller used on these boards?

A2:

The RAGE ORION, Nexus 128 and Xclaim VR 128 are powered by ATI's new RAGE 128GL graphics architecture.

Q3:

What advanced chip technology is incorporated into the RAGE 128 chip?

A3:

The new RAGE 128 (both GL and VR) technology features many advanced and state of the art technology. New technologies like: SuperScalar Rendering Engine, Twin Cache Architecture, Single-Pass Multi Texturing and Concurrent Command Engine, will provide the user with the best visual experience with faster performance and crisper images.

SuperScalar Rendering
SuperScalar Rendering (SSR) is achieved through dual texture pipelines which function like the twin engines of 3D graphics rendering. These operate completely simultaneously enabling the processing of two pixels per clock, providing a doubling of rendering performance.

Single-Pass Multitexturing
Single-Pass Multitexturing is being used by leading-edge games to process multiple textures to create special effects, the concept being that you would render both an object and its shadow, or an object and a lighting map to enhance the image. The single-texturing units of the previous generation would take a second pass to render those special effects, such as a bump, or a shadow or lighting effect. The RAGE 128 answers the call of the developers as it enables them to pull two textures to create these special effects together on the fly with no performance loss.

Twin-Cache Architecture
Another significant architectural achievement contributing to the leadership performance of the RAGE 128 is its Twin-Cache Architecture. Expanding to achieve maximum performance, this architecture allows the efficient use the cache resources on chip to deliver the maximum performance in all situations. The benefits of this cache are not limited to 3D operations but also attain optimal 2D and video performance.

Concurrent Command Engine
Optimized for the latest generations of processors, the RAGE 128 uses ATI's newly developed Concurrent Command Engine (CCE) to achieve maximum efficiency across the entire system.

Q4:

Where can I find the new RAGE ORION, Nexus 128 and Xclaim VR 128?

A4:

The ATI RAGE ORION, Nexus 128 and Xclaim VR 128 will be available in all existing retail locations, and catalogs currently offering ATI products. You can also visit the BUY section of our site to buy online or to locate a retailer close to you.

Q5:

When are these boards shipping?

A5:

NEXUS 128 - Now Shipping
Xclaim VR 128 - Now Shipping
RAGE ORION - Now Shipping

Q6:

What systems will the new RAGE 128 Mac work in?

A6:

The RAGE ORION, Nexus 128 and Xclaim VR 128 are designed to fit in to any PCI-based computer running Mac OS even those limited to 7" cards such as the Performa systems or the Power Macintosh 6400 or 6500.

Q7:

Will the new RAGE 128 cards work in the 66MHz PCI slot within Apple latest Power Macintosh G3 systems?

A7:

Yes, the RAGE ORION, Nexus 128 and Xclaim VR 128 are compatible with both the 33MHz and 66MHz PCI slots in any PCI Power Macintosh or PCI Mac OS compatible system.

Q8:

What is the performance increase with the RAGE 128 products over current RAGE Pro Turbo products?

A8:

RAGE 128 provides up to 3X performance, and next generation 3D-display quality.

Q9:

Can the on-board memory be upgraded?

A9:

The new RAGE ORION (16MB), Nexus 128 (32MB) and Xclaim VR 128 (16MB) are not memory upgradable.

Q10:

What is the benefit of large on-board memories?

A10:

With larger amounts of memory, you can set your display to higher resolutions and greater color depths (i.e. 32bit), giving you more crisp and detailed images. With the added memory on board, you will realize better performance with texture-intensive games and graphics hungry applications. Developers are writing games and applications that use larger, and more detailed textures, thus increasing the need for memory. ATI answers this call by providing large 16MB and 32MB!!! solutions in order to ensure the end user experiences top game play and application performance.

Q11:

What software is included?

A11:

ATI RAGE Orion will ship retail with 3 game titles: FutureCop: LAPD, Tomb Raider II (OEM Version) and Myth II demo

Q12:

What are the available resolutions of the new products?

A12:

Product	Max. true Color 2D resolution (pixels)	Max. true Color 3D resolution (pixels)
Nexus 128	1600x1200 (4:3) 1920x1200 (16:9)	1920x1200
Xclaim VR 128	1600x1200	1280x1024
RAGE ORION	1600x1200	1280x1024

Q13:

Do the new RAGE 128 based Macintosh boards support DVD/Mpeg-2 acceleration?

A13:

While the RAGE 128 chip can "power" software DVD playback, for it to be implemented for Macintosh machines Mpeg-2 needs to be supported in Apple's QuickTime, which is not currently the case. If and when Apple includes support for Mpeg-2 playback in QuickTime ATI will evaluate offering this functionality.

Q14:

Which ATI board is most like the board currently shipping in Apple's latest Power Macintosh G3 (the blue system)?

A14:

ATI RAGE ORION card is the most similar to the graphics card in the new G3.

Q15:

Will there be a Loyalty Program for existing owners of ATI Mac Card owners who wish to upgrade to the new RAGE 128 cards?

A15:

Yes, ATI is offering a $50 rebate program for customers who purchase a RAGE 128 Mac card who already own an ATI Mac retail card. Please see the Trade up section of our web site for more information.

Q16:

Will the new RAGE 128 Mac cards be included on the Trade up program?

A16:

Yes, when the cards are shipping selected cards will be included in this program. Please see the Trade up section of our web site for future announcements.

If your questions aren't answered here or you would like more information or even just to make a comment about our exciting new products please contact ATI.

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