Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) is a bus dedicated to the graphics of a computer as opposed to its predecessor PCI, which utilizes a shared bus that other components can use.
AGP Goes 64-bit
When 64-bit computing started to flourish, AGP fell behind as a 32-bit bus. According to the AGP8X Interface Specification, a new bus was drafted in 2001 that allowed for 64-bit graphics cards that used AGP to emerge in the market.
AGP Cards With More Power Needs
Eventually, graphics got more intense and, as a result, cards were hungry for more electrical power. AGP Pro was drafted to solve this issue and provide extra pins the cards will use for extra power.
Types
AGP slots can be classified by three types: 1.5 volt slots, 3.3 volt slots and universal slots. The universal type slots are the ones that can alternate between both voltages depending on what each individual card needs.
Identification of Universal Slots
Universal slots from standard AGP will have no separators inside them as the regulation of which kind of card fits inside is not necessary in standard universal AGP. In AGP Pro, universal slots have only two separators, which are there to ensure no one plugs in a standard AGP card by accident into an AGP Pro slot.
AGP Becomes Outdated
In 2004, AGP became a dying bus, abruptly being replaced by PCI Express, which was the latest innovation in computer bus technology. Card manufacturers continued creating AGP cards. But the public was more intent on getting its hands on the powerful PCIE cards replacing them in the market.
Tags: universal slots, volt slots