AMD unveils chipset optimised for Windows 7

The AMD 785G chipset focuses heavily on media

AMD has launched a chipset designed for mainstream Windows 7 PCs. The 785G features ATI Radeon HD 4200 graphics, and supports a range of CPUs including AMD Athlon II processors, and SidePort Memory support for DDR3 or DDR2 performance cache.

This latest version is the successor to the 780G which embedded graphics from the Radeon HD 3200 family.

The new chipset focuses heavily on media with support for high-definition video, including HDMI 1.3 and DisplayPort, as well as DirectX 10.1, GPU-enabled decoding, thermal management, eight-channel audio and hard drive Raid functionality.

Motherboards using the new chipset are due out later this year, the firm said.

AMD also announced planned support for the OpenGL 3.1 3D graphics API for its ATI FirePro graphics chips for graphics-based business users. Support for version 3.2 is expected to follow later.

"OpenGL 3.1 helps developers to take full advantage of powerful ATI FirePro graphics accelerators that provide performance, stability and visionary innovation for graphics professionals," said Janet Matsuda, senior director for AMD Professional Graphics.

"AMD continues to deliver OpenGL support that in turn enhances computer-aided design, digital content creation and scientific application provider offerings. Further, AMD's OpenGL extensions, such as tessellation, help developers increase the visual quality of 3D objects, and enable the creation of highly realistic looking characters, objects and scenery.

"We look forward to future enhancements that we expect to be available in OpenGL 3.2 and beyond."

A new set of drivers will be available for ATI FirePro graphics accelerators on 12 August, including support for OpenGL 3.1.