ATI, a division of AMD that develops graphics processing units (GPUs) and core-logic sets, is expected to allow graphics boards makers to design and produce certain high-end graphics boards on their own manufacturing facilities. The move is likely to make AMD"s graphics chips more popular among manufacturers and consequently end-users.
For several years now both ATI Technologies and Nvidia Corp. did not sell chips for high-end boards to its partners, but supplied graphics cards already made under GPU developer"s supervision by a contract manufacturer. While such business model ensures that end-users get quality high-end graphics adapters, this reduces choice and competitive advantages add-in card manufactures may offer to their customers. According to a news-story by HKEPC web-site, AMD has decided to allow manufacturers of graphics boards to produce Radeon X1950 XT graphics cards using their own design and manufacturing capacities. The Radeon X1950 XTX boards will still be made under supervision of ATI.