<br><blockquote><i>MARKHAM, ON/ Munich, Germany - September 30, 2004 - Computer enthusiasts put their graphics cards to the test yesterday when FutureMark launched its new 3DMark05 benchmark and a clear leader quickly emerged. The RADEON® X800 XT Platinum Edition from ATI Technologies Inc. (TSX:ATY, NASDAQ:ATYT) delivered the highest performance on the new DirectX® 9 benchmark of any currently shipping product, once again demonstrating it is the best graphics card for customers who want excellent performance in 3D applications today and down the road. But it is not just about the high end - ATI cards hold considerable leads in 3DMark05 performance at every level.<p>
Using a standard RADEON X800 XT Platinum Edition with FutureMark approved drivers, third party testers at sites like http://www.driverheaven.net have scored over 5800 points in the new 3DMark05 benchmark, revealing the RADEON X800 to be more than 20% faster than its nearest competitor. Hardcore overclockers are also using their RADEON X800 XT cards to achieve unbelievably high scores. Sami Mäkinen, a well known overclocker, achieved a high score of 8250 earlier today (service.futuremark.com/compare?3dm05=38454 ).<p>
"3DMark05 stresses our graphics cards beyond the means of today's games, so customers look to performance in this application as an indicator of how our cards will perform in next-generation games," said Rick Bergman, Senior Vice President, PC Business Unit, ATI Technologies Inc. "The results clearly indicate that the RADEON X800 is an excellent choice for gamers who want the ultimate gaming experience."<p>
RADEON X800 products are currently shipping through OEMs, system integrators and retailers around the world. For more information on ATI's products please visit http://www.ati.com. </i></blockquote><p>