AMD upgrades FirePro for CAD workstations

AMD said its recently enhanced line of FirePro professional workstation graphics cards now have double the memory capacity of previous models.

At the SIGGRAPH 2014 computer graphics conference in the Vancouver, the company announced the release of the FirePro W2100, W4100, W5100 and W7100 with AMD Graphics Core Next architecture. The graphics cards are built for computer-aided design (CAD), video, animation, design and engineering applications. The new range brings at least two times more memory as well as better multi-display 4K capability and high compute performance compared to older AMD graphics cards.

The AMD Eyefinity technology supports up to six DisplayPort monitors on an enabled graphics card. However, to enable more than two displays from a single output, additional hardware such as DisplayPort-ready monitors or DisplayPort 1.2 MST-enabled hubs are required, and 4K support requires a 4K display and content, according to AMD.

  • The 8GB W7100 is designed for engineering, multimedia and entertainment use. It supports 4K content, including video playback, editing and transcoding
  • The W5100 comes with 4GB of GDDR5 memory and four display outputs and is ideal for working with complex models, assemblies, data sets and advanced visual effects
  • The W4100 is capable of supporting four displays
  • The W2100 features certified professional application performance

Earlier this year, AMD released the the FirePro W9100 and W8100 graphics cards which are already available for purchase from numerous workstation providers. The FirePro W2100, W4100 and W5100 graphics will be available In September from AMD global distribution partner Sapphire Technology and major workstation providers. FirePro W7100 graphics will be available in Q4 of 2014.

“This new generation of AMD FirePro graphics will help workstation manufacturers and channel providers to offer powerful, reliable solutions designed to improve application performance and increased productivity to help end users do more,” said David Cummings, senior director and general manager, professional graphics at AMD.

The graphics cards will be used on Dell workstations.

“With the introduction of next generation AMD FirePro workstation graphics cards, Dell can offer its design and engineering customers outstanding graphics and multi-monitor performance, beneficial graphics memory and outstanding features to help improve their workflows — whether they need an entry, mid-range or high-end graphics solution,” said Andy Rhodes, executive director, Dell Precision workstations. “AMD’s solid drivers and application certifications support Dell Precision Workstation customers with high performance, high quality workstations for their designs, models, animations and video productions.”

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Jim Love, Chief Content Officer, IT World Canada

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Nestor Arellano
Nestor Arellano
Toronto-based journalist specializing in technology and business news. Blogs and tweets on the latest tech trends and gadgets.

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