# Evergreen

> graphics processing unit

**Wikidata**: [Q1184917](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1184917)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/evergreen

## Summary
Evergreen is a graphics processing unit (GPU) architecture developed by AMD, released in 2009 as part of the Radeon HD 5000 series. It succeeded the Radeon R700 architecture and introduced support for DirectX 11, marking a significant advancement in gaming and graphics technology. The architecture was fabricated using a 40nm process and powered popular GPUs like the Radeon HD 5870 and HD 5850.

## Key Facts
- **Release Year**: 2009
- **Developer**: AMD (formerly ATI)
- **Codename**: Radeon R800
- **Preceded By**: Radeon R700
- **Succeeded By**: Northern Islands
- **Notable Models**: Radeon HD 5870, Radeon HD 5850, Radeon HD 5770
- **Manufacturing Process**: 40nm
- **Key Features**: DirectX 11 support, ATI Eyefinity (multi-monitor technology)
- **Successor Architecture**: Northern Islands (2011)

## FAQs
### Q: What is the Evergreen GPU architecture?
A: Evergreen is a GPU architecture developed by AMD, released in 2009, known for introducing DirectX 11 support and powering the Radeon HD 5000 series.

### Q: When was the Evergreen architecture released?
A: The Evergreen-based GPUs, such as the Radeon HD 5870, were released in 2009.

### Q: What made Evergreen significant?
A: It was the first GPU architecture to support DirectX 11, enabling advanced graphics features in gaming and professional applications.

## Why It Matters
Evergreen played a pivotal role in advancing PC gaming and graphics rendering by being the first architecture to support DirectX 11, which introduced features like tessellation and compute shaders. This allowed for more realistic visuals and improved performance in games and applications. The architecture also emphasized power efficiency and multi-monitor support through ATI Eyefinity, enhancing user productivity and immersion. As a key product in AMD’s lineup, Evergreen helped the company compete effectively with NVIDIA’s Fermi architecture, shaping the GPU market in the late 2000s and early 2010s.

## Notable For
- **First DirectX 11 GPU**: Enabled advanced graphics capabilities in gaming and professional software.
- **High-Performance Models**: The Radeon HD 5870 was one of the fastest consumer GPUs at launch.
- **40nm Fabrication Process**: Improved power efficiency and thermal performance compared to earlier architectures.
- **ATI Eyefinity**: Supported multi-monitor setups for expanded desktop and gaming environments.
- **Competitive Edge**: Positioned AMD as a leader in the GPU market against NVIDIA’s offerings.

## Body
### Development and Release
Evergreen was developed by AMD (formerly ATI) and released in 2009 under the Radeon HD 5000 series. It served as the successor to the Radeon R700 architecture and was later succeeded by the Northern Islands architecture in 2011.

### Architecture and Features
- **Manufacturing Process**: Built on a 40nm TSMC process, reducing power consumption and heat output.
- **DirectX 11 Support**: Introduced hardware-accelerated tessellation and compute shaders, enhancing graphical fidelity.
- **Stream Processors**: Utilized a unified shader architecture with improved efficiency for general computing tasks (GPGPU).
- **Memory**: Supported GDDR5 memory, offering higher bandwidth for demanding applications.

### Models and Performance
Notable GPUs based on the Evergreen architecture include:
- **Radeon HD 5870**: Flagship model with 1GB GDDR5 memory and 1600 stream processors.
- **Radeon HD 5850**: A slightly pared-down version with 1440 stream processors.
- **Radeon HD 5770**: Mid-range model popular for its balance of performance and power efficiency.

### Legacy
Evergreen’s DirectX 11 capabilities set a new standard for PC gaming, influencing game development and GPU design. Its focus on multi-monitor support (Eyefinity) and power efficiency also expanded the use of GPUs beyond gaming, into professional workflows and multimedia applications. The architecture’s success solidified AMD’s position in the market, driving innovation in subsequent GPU generations.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013