Accelerated Graphics
Port (AGP) is an interface
specification that enables 3-D
graphics to display quickly on
ordinary personal computers. AGP is
designed to convey 3-D images (for
example, from Web sites or CD-ROMs)
much more quickly and smoothly than
is possible today on any computer
other than an expensive graphics
workstation. It is especially useful
in conjuction with gaming,
three-dimensional (3D) video, and
sophisticated scientific/engineering
graphics programs.
The interface uses your computer's
random access memory (RAM) to
refresh the monitor image and to
support the texture mapping,
z-buffering, and alpha blending
required for 3-D image display. AGP
offers high-speed data transfer to
and from RAM, optimizing the use of
memory and minimizing the amount of
memory necessary for
high-performance graphics.
The AGP main memory use is dynamic,
meaning that when not being used for
accelerated graphics, main memory is
restored for use by the operating
system or by other applications. AGP
runs at several times the bus speed
of conventional Peripheral Component
Interconnect (PCI). Because of this,
the data transfer rate using AGP is
significantly greater than with PCI
video cards. AGP employs eight
sideband address lines, so multiple
data transfers can take place
concurrently.
Intel, which took the lead in
developing its specifications,
introduced AGP into a chipset for
its Pentium microprocessor. The
newer, faster microchips in Intel's
Pentium line are designed to work
with the AGP chipset.
Intel says the advanced floating
point unit and faster cache
algorithm of the more advanced
Pentiums are better adapted for
3-dimensional applications.
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