If you’re into gaming or graphic design, then you probably know what an Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) is. For those who don’t know, it’s a port used to connect graphics cards to a computer’s motherboard, with the goal of increasing the speed at which computers can display graphics and using system resources more effectively. Essentially, it’s designed to make your computer faster and better at displaying high-end graphics.
Originally developed as a successor to PCI connectors for graphics cards, AGP is a standard for parallel expansion cards used to connect a video card to a computer system to support acceleration of 3D computer graphics. It was introduced in August 1997 and at the time, it significantly improved computer graphics rendering performance. However, it has since been phased out in favor of PCI Express (PCIe) which is serial and not parallel.
Although AGP has been discontinued, it is still important to understand how it works as it paved the way for better graphics cards and display capabilities. The AGP channel is 32 bits wide and runs at 66 MHz, which provides a much higher total bandwidth of 266 MBps than the PCI bandwidth (which is up to 133 MBps). AGP also supports two optional faster modes with throughputs of 533 MBps and 1.07 GBps. Plus, it allows for 3D textures to be stored in the main memory rather than in video memory.
In summary, an AGP is a type of port used to connect graphics cards to a motherboard, specifically designed to improve the speed and effectiveness of displaying high-end graphics. Although it has been phased out in favor of PCIe, AGP played an important role in the advancement of graphics capabilities in computers.
FAQ
What is the purpose of an AGP?
The main purpose of an AGP is to transmit 3D images quickly and efficiently to improve graphics capabilities and performance on a computer.
When was the AGP introduced?
The AGP was introduced in August 1997.
Why was the AGP phased out?
The AGP was phased out in favor of PCI Express (PCIe) which is serial and not parallel.
What is the bandwidth of the AGP channel?
The AGP channel is 32 bits wide and runs at 66 MHz, providing a total bandwidth of 266 MBps.
Where are 3D textures stored with AGP?
With AGP, 3D textures can be stored in the main memory rather than in video memory.
The Advancement of Graphics Capabilities in Computers
Thanks to the development of AGP, computers have come a long way in terms of improving graphics capabilities. While it may no longer be in use today, it played an important role in the advancement of technology and helped pave the way for better graphics cards and display capabilities.
