Ever since ATI announced its manufacturing & distribution relationships with ODMs and AiBs in June of 2001, SAPPHIRE has always been the key ATI Graphics Boards Supplier worldwide. SAPPHIRE designs, manufactures and distributes the most complete range of ATI video boards--from mainstream level Xpert98 to the state-of-the-art technology-enriched Radeon  X850 series boards and there new PURE Innovation PI-A9RX480 motherboard. SAPPHIRE refuses to compromise quality by cutting corners at the expense of its customers experience with their products. All ATI board designs undergo a stringent layout inspection by our staff of engineers to guarantee that they represent the usual high-quality image of ATI original boards. They also enjoy the resources of a highly creative technical department that layout complex designs to accommodate different market niches as they arise. SAPPHIRE ATI video boards have long been the reliable choice for a great number of OEMs and large System Integrators in Europe, North America, Asia and Latin America based largely on their ability to meet a fastpaced technical markets advancements as well as the means to produce large quantities of product.

Recently there have been some big announcements in the graphics world.  Nvidia has released AND started shipping the 7800 series.  Everyone is waiting for ATI’s response.  ATI’s crossfire is due out any week now.  ATI have been releasing more and more mid-range cards to beat Nvidia in that market.

But what about low end cards?  What about those millions of people who don’t want the latest expensive graphics card, or don’t want to spend the money?  What do they offer in what is, really, their bread & butter market.

Today there is a pretty good choice of graphics cards out there for the budget gamer actually, all of which can play new games at an acceptable level.  The X300 has been ATI’s budget card for some time now, competing with the 6200.  But ATI have gone one step further and quietly released a new budget contender.

Today I have that card from Sapphire, the X550, for review, the new suped-up 4-pipe core from ATI. Will it fit the budget needs, lets find out shall we

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