X-bit Labs reports that ATI demonstrated a technology that allows graphics processing units (GPUs) to compute audio effects. In the light of today's raw-power of graphics processors, the initiative looks promising and may offer some advantages, however, the world may never see any audio technologies in the graphics chips.

At an event in London, UK, ATI showed off a demo from its software development kit (SDK) that described how can a Radeon X1300-series graphics processor compute audio data. The demo just demonstrated a simplistic equalizer, which does not require a lot of power or specific features from a processor, however, ATI has shown that it was looking in the direction; just like the company indicated it was looking at physics computing on the GPU slightly more than half a year ago.

Theoretically, audio capabilities on the GPU could allow graphics cards makers to multiplex audio signals into HDMI or DisplayPort outputs. On the other hand, currently computer mainboards are already equipped with built-in audio, which means, there is hardly any need in additional GPU audio capabilities. Still, theoretically, in certain game cases, when graphics, physics and audio are tightly combined, computing on a single device may offer some advantages.