AMD Intros Graphics Card For Under $60AMD Intros Graphics Card For Under $60

Advanced Micro Devices has introduced a sub-$60 graphics card, continuing the chip maker's strategy of providing mainstream video game graphics at a low price.

The ATI Radeon HD 5450, like other components in AMD's 5000 series product line, supports DirectX 11, Microsoft's latest collection of Windows technology for handling multimedia tasks, especially games and video. DirectX 11 ships with Windows 7, but can also be installed in Vista.

AMD's latest offering, released Thursday, sells for less than $60 for a 512MB memory configuration. The card includes the company's ATI Eyefinity technology that supports up to three displays, providing at least one has a DisplayPort connector.

The ATI Radeon HD 5450 provides "entry-level" performance and does not require a fan for cooling, which cuts down on noise. AMD makes graphics cards that cover a range of price points , starting with the basic 5450 to the Radeon HD 5970 for those looking for top performance on high-end gaming systems. AMD's major rival is Nvidia, which makes the GeForce line.

AMD partners selling the Radeon HD 5450 include Asus, ASK, Club 3D, DMM, GBT, HIS, LDLC.com, MSI, TUL, Sapphire, VT and XFX.

The chip maker claims to have shipped more than 2 million DirectX 11 graphics cards. Last month, the company shipped the $99 Radeon HD 5670, which was AMD's first sub-$100 DirectX 11 card.

AMD last month reported a 42% increase in revenue in the fourth quarter of 2009, driven in part by stronger-than-expected sales of its Radeon 5000 series graphics cards.

In releasing low-priced graphics cards, AMD is going after the largest segment of the consumer PC market. Windows laptops and desktops ranging from $300 to less than $800 were a major driver of the 2.3% growth in shipments last year from 2008, according to IDC. Rival Gartner reported a 5.2% growth rate.