When we look purely at the Graphics processor's features compared to the Radeon 7500 then we can tell you it supports an excellent Hardware T&L engine, TruForm, a swell rendering technology that helps to deliver the smoothest, most natural 3D images ever seen on existing and next-generation 3D games and SmartShader technology. This is an advanced technology that makes use  of Microsoft's new DirectX 8.1 specification, including supporting Pixel Shaders Version 1.4 to enable more complex and realistic texture and lighting effects without sacrificing performance as it is calculated on-board. Further technologies include:

• HYPERZ™ II, a next-generation memory bandwidth saving technology, that boosts rendering performance by 25 percent.
• PIXEL TAPESTRY II, the Radeon 8500's 3D rendering engine, which uses four rendering pipelines to process an incredible 2 gigatexels per second for the highest fill rates in 32-bit color at high resolutions.
• CHARISMA ENGINE II, which supports full transform, clipping and lighting (T&L) at 62.5 million triangles/second peak processing capability.
• HydraVision, ATI's world-leading, multi-monitor desktop management software optimizes the dual display experience with user controllable shortcut keys and individual application settings. The Radeon 8500 takes advantage of HydraVision with its integrated dual display controllers, enabling true dual monitor support, for the first time in a high-performance gaming product.
• VIDEO IMMERSION II, a second-generation technology that enables integration of industry-leading digital video features, including DVD (digital versatile disc) video playback and advanced de-interlacing algorithms for unprecedented video quality.

Let's walk through the to most important technology features in-depth ..