Introduction

I just took a little trip down memory lane today while setting up to test a product I am currently reviewing. Normally the components I have to test and review are cutting edge, state of the art technology, which is pretty awesome and all, but not everyone has the money for this technology, so there is the need for products to meet the needs of those with older systems that need a little upgrading. With that said, my trip down memory lane awaits.

It must be at least four years since I have built a system around an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port for those who have forgotten) graphics card. So when I found out that there was a previously released graphics card being rereleased with an AGP interface and that I was getting it to review, the fond memories of my current doorstop for the closet door came flooding back into my mind. That AMD socket A, Athlon 2800+ beast (now old and weary) was going to be able to serve once more as one of my systems, if only for a short return to the league out of retirement like many famous athletes. The card I speak of for this blast from the past review is an ATI Radeon from Sapphire.

The Sapphire ATI HD4650 AGP features the same 4600 series power but with an AGP interface. The Sapphire ATI HD4650 AGP serves to upgrade aging systems to meet some of the current graphics demands of current games and video. The release of this inexpensive graphics card in an AGP format is certain to stir some interest among those with older systems that just don’t have the money for more current technology but would like to try their hand at some of the more current games, even if at lower settings and resolutions.