SAPPHIRE Technology has just introduce a new low profile model in the successful R7 Series of graphics cards targeted at small form factor PCs and HTPCs.

The SAPPHIRE R7 240 Low Profile card is based on the successful graphics GCN (Graphics Core Next) architecture from AMD. It unusually features dual HDMI outputs, each supporting HDMI 1.4a with high speed transfer and full 4K display resolution of 4096 x 2160. Both display outputs can be used simultaneously.The SAPPHIRE R7 240 Low Profile model has 2 GB of DDR3 memory clocked at 900 MHz (1.8 GB/s effective). It has a GCN architecture with 320 stream processors and core clocks of 730MHz (780MHz with dynamic boost). The single slot, fan assisted heatsink cooler is lower in height than the card profile, allowing the card to be fitted in any low profile or small form factor chassis.

This card supports all the features offered by the GCN architecture, making it ideal for media solutions like Home Theatre PCs (HTPCs) as well as general purpose computing. These include AMD image enhancement technology, AMD HD Media Accelerator, AMD HD3D support and native support for performance enhancement with multiple cards in AMD CrossFire as well as APP acceleration.

APP Acceleration is the name given to the enhanced performance of a wide range of applications using the stream processing capabilities and specific hardware features of the GCN graphics architecture. The R-series has been optimised for this type of task. Typical applications include Video encoding and decoding, compression and multiplexing for media distribution, gaming and video conferencing. APP acceleration can also enhance everyday tasks such as Internet browsing, Office applications and file compression with supported software suites.