AMD has just announced that for the foreseeable future, GPU partner Sapphire, will be the exclusive provider of AMD FirePro professional GPUs. Sapphire will begin distribution as of today, 1st October, though AMD has said that if any OEM partners wish to do so, they can still purchase FirePro products directly from the chip maker.

While this move will no doubt be a big boost for Sapphire's own operations, AMD is hoping that it will see an increased uptake in FirePro products, thanks to Sapphire branding and the increased exposure of the new distribution channels offered by the long time GPU reseller – particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, as Sapphire has over five years of distribution history in that area.

It'll be interesting to see what branding/marketing Sapphrie does with FirePro GPUs

“For many years we have enjoyed a strong, productive and mutually beneficial relationship with SAPPHIRE,” said senior director of professional graphics at AMD, David Cummings. “This new collaboration marks yet another exciting step in our award-winning AMD graphics history by opening up new markets for AMD FirePro. AMD is committed to growth in the professional graphics market, and as we build on the success of AMD FirePro, we sought out a distribution partner that would allow us to broaden our reach, support growing sales and embrace new opportunities. SAPPHIRE was the natural choice.”

Sapphire is also understandably pleased, with VP of marketing, Adrian Thompson saying in a statement that not only would the new product lines be profitable, but that this move would increase ties with AMD and that with that, “both companies win.”

KitGuru Says: An interesting move and a good one for Sapphire for sure. Do any of you make use of the professional graphics offerings put forward by the big two? If so, what for? 

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