Markham (ON) - ATI today released the Radeon Pro PC and Mac Edition, which the company claims is the first graphics card that can be used in x86-based PC as well as Apple computers: It's not quite the newest generation graphics chip - but an opportunity for PC users to connect Apple's Cinema displays to their PC.

The dual-link capability of the Radeon 9600 in fact may the only, but for some users a very convincing feature to consider a purchase of this product. According to ATI, the card maintains all key features for both Apple and Mac platforms, there is now the chance to run a stylish Cinema display - which retail from $800 for a 20" version and up to $3000 for a 30" monster - with your generic beige-box PC.

The features and performance of the AGP 8x card is just enough to support Apple's 30" display with a resolution of 2560 x 1920 pixels and 256 MByte of memory. Regular 9600 Pro's come with 128 MByte and a maximum resolution capability of 2048 x 1536 at 60 Hz.

The 9600 Pro PC/Mac may enter a very brief life cycle as the decision from Apple to transition to an x86-based platform starting in June of next year is likely to also bring PC graphics to the Mac world. But for users who cannot wait and want their cinema display now and Apple users who want squeeze a bit more graphics performance out of a dated system, the updated 9600 Pro may be an attractive product. ATI sells the card for $200.

Source : Tom's Hardware US