Notifications
Clear all
Topic starter 03/08/2025 12:07 am
🖥️ AGP, or Accelerated Graphics Port, is a now-retired type of expansion slot that was specifically designed to handle graphics cards—think of it as the VIP lane for visual data before PCI Express stole the spotlight.
🚀 What AGP Was Created For:
- Boost graphics performance: AGP provided a direct channel between the graphics card and the computer’s memory, making it faster than traditional PCI slots (at the time).
- Reduce bottlenecks: It allowed 3D graphics data—used in gaming, CAD, and video editing—to flow more efficiently.
- Enable better visuals: Gave users higher frame rates and smoother rendering for demanding applications.
📊 How AGP Compared to Other Slots:
| Slot Type | Purpose | Speed Range | Common Use Era |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCI | General purpose | ~133 MB/s | 1990s–early 2000s |
| AGP | Graphics acceleration | Up to 2.1 GB/s (AGP 8x) | Late 1990s–mid 2000s |
| PCI Express | Graphics + everything | Up to 32 GB/s | 2004–present |
🧰 Why It Disappeared:
Once PCI Express (PCIe) was introduced around 2004, it rapidly replaced AGP due to:
- Faster speeds
- More flexibility (not just for graphics)
- Better scalability for modern GPUs
AGP might be vintage tech now, but it played a key role in paving the way for today’s epic gaming graphics and HD video rendering.
