ATI ALL-IN-WONDER RADEON 8500DV Review

Introduction

The ATI ALL-IN-WONDER RADEON 8500DV is the latest video card in the company's popular ALL-IN-WONDER line. Unlike the standard RADEON 8500, which is aimed at more traditional gamers, the 8500DV is a video card designed with an emphasis on multimedia capabilities and a total audio-visual experience rather than simply on pure speed.

Both the 8500 and the 8500DV are based on the same core technology, but the 8500DV runs slower than its more gaming-focused cousin. The 8500 runs at a 275 MHz core, 550 MHz memory clock while the 8500DV runs on a 230 MHz core, 380 MHz memory clock.

Where the ATI R8500DV surpasses the 8500 is in its multimedia capabilities. The card carries a TV tuner, a DVI out (with a VGA converter packaged in the box), a proprietary ATI I/O jack for connection to the external breakout box, and a Firewire (IEEE1394) port directly on the card.