ATI Graphics Ultra

**ATI Graphics Ultra**
General Info
Release Year	1990
Manufacturer	ATI
Device Category	Video Card
Condition	Untested
Technical Specifications
Memory Capacity	512K-1024K
Memory Type	VRAM
Expansion Interface	ISA 16b
External Connectors	DE-15 VGA; Microsoft bus mouse;
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ATI's first complete graphics card capable of being used for general purpose as well as graphically accelerated applications. This card is a combination of the VGA Wonder XL^[1] and Mach 8 GPU. The Mach 8 is a clone of the IBM 8514/A Graphics Adapter for PC AT systems with 16b ISA slots. This is in contrast to the IBM 8514/A which was for Microchannel PS/2 systems exclusively. The ATI card fixes the largest complaint with the IBM by having enough output bandwidth to display 1024x768 without interlacing.

It should be noted, ATI never sold a consumer product called "Mach 8", the only card sold without an integrated VGA Wonder was the 8514/Ultra that was a hybrid card for MCA and ISA systems that could use the PS/2 video pass through. The originally announced name for the Graphics ultra was also "8514/Ultra + VGA"^[2]. Mach 8 was the name specifically for the graphics chip itself that emulated the 8514/A.

The ATI Mach 8 was the first GPU clone of the 8514/A, however S3 quickly followed with the P86C911 which was less 8514/A compatible. S3 worked as an OEM vendor for other manufactures, iterated on their chip designs, and quickly overtook ATI.

Examples

Example Info
Condition	Untested

Technical

Video Controller and Coprocessor

The original 8515/A did not include a standard VGA video controller and required of passing through the onboard video. This architecture is the same for the ATI Graphics Ultra but is all self contained in one card. It has a discrete video controller and graphics accelerator that over overrides the video output. Unlike the original IBM setup though, you cannot simultaneously output to both video devices at the same time as they share the same output connector.

Single VGA output and bus mouse connector on bracket

Mouse

The Graphics Ultra and Vantage were both available with a Microsoft bus mouse compatible port, not all cards may have included the mouse port. A mouse was included with the card which is notable because it elevates the product to more of a "PS/2 class upgrade" as the single card brings VGA, 8514/A Compatibility, and Mouse support.