SAPPHIRE Launches HD 7700 Series

Three new models deliver affordable HD 7000 series features with a choice of performance.

SAPPHIRE Technology has just introduced an entirely new series of affordable graphics cards based on the revolutionary new graphics GCN (Graphics Core Next) architecture from AMD.

The new SAPPHIRE HD 7700 series is a new family of graphics cards targeting the enthusiast on a budget and mainstream users looking for increased graphics performance. It is based on the second family of GPU's from AMD built in its new 28nm process and featuring the highly acclaimed GCN graphics processing architecture. The new HD 7770 and HD 7750 GPUs have an optimised internal structure sharing many of the features of the high performance HD 7900 series already released but with fewer Stream processors and a simplified 128-bit high speed memory interface to the latest DDR5 memory types. 

Two models of the HD 7770 are being introduced by SAPPHIRE at launch. The SAPPHIRE HD 7770 is the first mainstream production graphics card to ship with a core clock speed of 1GHz, and will be known as the SAPPHIRE HD 7770 GHz Edition. It is equipped with 1GB of the latest DDR5 memory clocked at 1125MHz (4.5 Gb/s effective). At the same time SAPPHIRE is introducing a high performance model, the SAPPHIRE HD 7770 GHz OC Edition, which is factory overclocked to 1150 MHz core and 1250MHz memory (5Gb/s effective). Both models have a highly efficient SAPPHIRE original single fan heatpipe cooler. 

For the more budget conscious, the third model in the series is the SAPPHIRE HD 7750, which shares all the features of the HD 7770 version except that it ships with the lower core clocks of 800MHz and different output configuration as well as a lower Stream processor count. It has 1GB of memory clocked at 1125MHz (4.5 GB/s effective), and a single fan heatpipe cooler. 

For enthusiasts wishing to maximise performance, a new version of the SAPPHIRE overclocking tool, TriXX supporting this latest generation of technology is available free to download from the SAPPHIRE website. TriXX allows tuning of GPU voltage as well as core and memory clocks, whilst continuously displaying temperature. Manual control of fan speed is supported, as well as user created fan profiles and the ability to save up to four different performance settings.

The HD 7000 series is the third generation of DirectX 11 compatible solutions from the graphics division of AMD - formerly ATI. The new SAPPHIRE HD 7700 series is ready for DirectX 11.1 and the new Windows 8 operating system as well as delivering all the features of the current DirectX 11 such as DirectCompute11 and multi threaded communications with the CPU. Communication with the host PC is optimised with the implementation of the latest high speed PCI-Express Gen3.0 interface, and multiple cards can be used to further enhance performance in CrossFireX mode on a suitably specified mainboard.

Working or gaming with multiple monitors is becoming increasingly popular, and the SAPPHIRE HD 7700 series supports this with AMD Eyefinity, now in its second generation. With Dual-link DVI, HDMI and two mini-DisplayPort outputs, the HD 7770 models can support configurations of up to 6 monitors. The HD 7750 has Dual link DVI, HDMI and a single DisplayPort output, supporting up to four monitors. In addition, the SAPPHIRE HD 7700 series cards can simultaneously output multiple, independent audio streams allowing the correct audio content to be associated with different applications on different screens.

HDMI specifications have also increased in the HD 7000 series. Fast HDMI 1.4a supports Stereoscopic 3D with enhanced frame rates of 60Hz per eye - 120Hz total. It is also ready for the next generation of 4K displays that can be driven from a single high speed input of 3GHz HDMI 1.4a or DisplayPort 1.2 HBR2.

APP Acceleration is the name given to the enhanced performance of a wide range of applications using the stream processing capabilities and specific hardware features of the graphics architecture. The HD 7000 series has been optimised for this type of task. Typical applications include Video encoding and decoding, compression and multiplexing for media distribution, gaming or video conferencing. APP acceleration can also enhance everyday tasks such as Internet browsing, Office applications and file compression with supported software suites.

The SAPPHIRE HD 7700 series products are now available through SAPPHIRE's established channel and retail partners.

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