The X800 Pro boasts an improved support for DirectX 9: it can now handle more pixel shader instructions through the support of Pixel Shader 2.0b. Also, ATI has implemented a new compression technology for normal maps called 3Dc. Normal maps increases the quality of bump maps, as they can be used to add much more surface detail. It is also interesting to note that some upcoming games such as Half Life 2, Serious Sam 2, Tribes Vengeance or Far Cry will support normal maps in the future.