The Graphics Adapter

The graphics adapter (labeled GFX) is connected to the Root Complex, giving it a direct path to access system memory. The graphics controller can store graphics information that it requires very fast access to in its own, local memory, and can store additional information in an area of system memory set aside for its use (referred to as the graphics aperture). As of this writing, the graphics adapter is connected to the system memory controller via AGP (for a complete description of AGP, refer to the MindShare book entitled AGP System Architecture—published by Addison-Wesley), but with the advent of PCI Express systems in the latter half of 2004, AGP is being replaced by a PCI Express link to the Root Complex. The processor(s) or device adapters can access the graphics adapter's register set and local memory through the Root Complex.