Digitimes reports on the Nvidia release of the GeForce 8800 graphics processing unit (GPU), and the nForce 680i SLI media and communications processor (MCP) designed specifically for Intel Core 2 Quad and Core 2 Duo processors.
"According to Nvidia, the GeForce 8800 GPUs are the world's first to support Microsoft DirectX 10, the next-generation programming interface that will be introduced with the upcoming Microsoft Vista operating system.
The hardware foundation for the gaming platform is the Nvidia nForce 680 media and communications processor – an overclocking motherboard solution for Intel Core 2 Quad and Intel Core 2 Duo-based PCs.
Throughout the GeForce 8800's development process, Nvidia said it worked in close partnership with the world's top game designers to develop next-generation DirectX 10 titles on next-generation Nvidia GPUs, enabling them to take full advantage of the increased performance and new features. As a result, more than 20 next-generation titles, including Crysis, Hellgate: London, World in Conflict, Company of Heroes, Microsoft Flight Simulator X, and Age of Conan.
The other half of the gaming platform is the new Nvidia nForce 680i SLI MCP, which was designed to deliver the highest performance for Intel Core 2 Quad and Core 2 Duo-based PCs.
Aimed squarely at the hard-core enthusiast, the Nvidia nForce 680i SLI MCP is a motherboard solution that provides extensive support for the latest technologies, including enhanced support for Nvidia SLI multi-GPU technology. With its dual Gigabit Ethernet ports and advanced storage features, the Nvidia nForce 680i SLI MCP can, in about one second, send a 30-minute television show between PCs and store hundreds of high-definition movies, according to the company. The Nvidia nForce 680i SLI MCP can more than double the front-side bus (FSB) speed of many Intel Core 2 Duo CPUs, according to the company. Also included is support for SLI-Ready high-performance memory DIMMs, and a third PCIe graphics slot for extended multi-display environments or future physics processing."