NVidia unveils latest GPUs
Graphics card vendor makes push into the professional graphics space
NVidia is making a definitive push into the professional graphics space with the launch of six new Quadro FX graphics processing units (GPUs).
The new additions include the Quadro FX 5500, the highest performance offering 1GB of frame buffer memory for intensive CAD/CAM applications, and the high-end Quadro FX 3500. In the mid-range, there is the Quadro FX 1500, the first mid-range solution to sport two dual-link DVI connectors, and high definition (HD) video output.
In the mainstream segment, the Quadro FX 560 features dual-link DVI connectors, 128MB double data rate 3 graphics memory and HD video output, while the FX 550 is the same, but without HD support.
Jon Peddie, president of Jon Peddie Research, said: “The workstation market hit $5.3bn in revenues for an 18.4 per cent rise in 2005. In the highly competitive professional graphics board market, nVidia enjoyed a commanding 70 per cent market share in units shipped for the year. The company’s ability to deliver state-of-the-art graphics, while providing rock solid drivers for critical professional applications has won it the respect of workstation manufacturers and users.”
The new Quadro FX solutions are now shipping through OEMs, including IBM, Sun, and Fujitsu Siemens Computers, as well as workstation system integrators such as Alienware and Boxx Technologies. NVidia’s channel partners, including PNY Technologies, Leadtek and Elsa, will be marketing add-in cards.
Paul Read, director of marketing at Sun, said: “Sun will soon fit our high-performance Ultra 40 Workstation with Quadro FX 5500 graphics, the most powerful professional solution available today.”
NVidia has also announced two new GeForce Go processors in the notebook space. The GeForce Go 7900 GTX GPU is its new flagship for high performance, mobile platforms with extreme HD support. Meanwhile, the GeForce Go 7900 GS GPU is designed for slim, gaming notebooks.
Jeff Fisher, senior vice-president of the GPU Business at nVidia, said: “At screen resolutions of 1680x1050 and 1920x1200, games have up to 65 per cent more image detail than games viewed on common 1024x768 notebook screens.”