NVIDIA Unveils New Visual Computing Architecture For Next-Generation Professional Notebooks

Story by Geo - Wednesday 09th May 2007, 11:11:00 AM

Enables Advanced Professional Functionality for Shader Model 4.0 Graphics, GPU Computing for Visualization, and Enhanced Power Management

Kelly Dove
NVIDIA Corporation
(512) 401-4514
kdove@nvidia.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SANTA CLARA, CA—MAY 9, 2007—NVIDIA Corporation (Nasdaq: NVDA), the worldwide leader in programmable graphics processor technologies, has introduced a breakthrough NVIDIA Quadro® professional GPU architecture for notebook computers that enables entirely new graphics and visual computing capabilities for professionals who require uncompromised mobility. The new line of mobile graphics solutions, which includes NVIDIA Quadro FX 1600M, Quadro FX 570M and Quadro FX 360M, is designed to solve complex professional visual computing challenges in a mobile form factor.

Designers, engineers and artists working with large datasets, models and images in markets such as computer-aided design (CAD), digital content creation (DCC), imaging, and the sciences, can now extend the power and capabilities of their desktop workstations with mobile solutions that feature the latest Quadro professional graphics architecture. These new mobile, visual-computing platforms deliver a uniform feature set, including Shader Model 4.0 and GPU computing for visualization, found in the recently announced NVIDIA Quadro FX 5600 and Quadro FX 4600 desktop workstation solutions.

"Industry-leading NVIDIA Quadro solutions continue to be adopted across a variety of workstation configurations, providing customers the power, flexibility, and features they need to get the job done," said Jeff Brown, general manager, Professional Solutions Group at NVIDIA. "Companies, such as HP and Fujitsu, with proven track records in delivering high-performance mobile and desktop workstations, continue to redefine performance for customers by offering the latest NVIDIA Quadro solutions for professional graphics."

The new Quadro FX mobile solutions feature:

• New Unified Architecture—An industry-first unified architecture that is capable of dynamically allocating compute, geometry, shading, and pixel processing power for optimized GPU performance
• Next-Generation Vertex and Pixel Programmability—Shader Model 4.0 enables a higher level of performance and ultra-realistic effects for OpenGL and DirectX 10 professional applications
• GPU Computing for Visualization and NVIDIA CUDAâ„¢ technology—Developers can tap into the high-performance computing power of Quadro to develop, prototype and solve complex visualization problems
• PowerMizer® 7.0 Technology—Seventh-generation, hardware power management technology from NVIDIA that intelligently adapts to the user’s needs for longer battery life and improved performance by reducing notebook power consumption and heat generation for the graphics subsystem

Engineered to deliver high performance and visualization of extensive datasets with extremely high image quality in an ISV-certified mobile platform, the Quadro FX 1600M, available with up to 512MB G-DDR3 memory, and the Quadro FX 570M, offering up to 256MB G-DDR3 memory, feature a 128-bit memory interface, support for OpenGL 2.1 and DirectX 10, and adaptive power management tools. The Quadro FX 360M, designed for thin and light, entry-level mobile workstations, offers similar features as its bigger brothers, with up to 256MB G-DDR3 memory and a 64-bit memory interface.

"Professionals buying the HP Compaq 8710w Mobile Workstation, our most powerful mobile workstation to date, can now take advantage of the new NVIDIA Quadro unified architecture and GPU computing capabilities," said Carol Hess-Nickels, director, worldwide business notebook marketing, Personal Systems Group, HP. "With these new Quadro product offerings, our power-user customers can enjoy workstation-caliber processing and graphics performance wherever their work takes them."

"Fujitsu Siemens Computers is setting a new benchmark with its new CELSIUS H250 mobile workstation based on the NVIDIA Quadro FX 570M graphics," said Andreas Thimmel, vice president Business Clients, Fujitsu Siemens Computers. "Extra slim and light, it combines optimum performance and leading-edge workstation graphics with extra-low noise level."

NVIDIA Quadro FX mobile solutions are widely available through leading OEMs such as HP, Fujitsu Japan, and FSC as well as leading mobile workstation system integrators. For more information about the entire series of NVIDIA professional Quadro solutions, please visit www.nvidia.com/quadro.

NVIDIA Corporation
NVIDIA Corporation is the worldwide leader in programmable graphics processor technologies. The Company creates innovative, industry-changing products for computing, consumer electronics, and mobile devices. NVIDIA is headquartered in Santa Clara, CA and has offices throughout Asia, Europe, and the Americas. For more information, visit www.nvidia.com.

Certain statements in this release including, but not limited to, statements as to: the features, uses, performance and capabilities of NVIDIA Quadro FX mobile solutions, NVIDIA CUDA technology and PowerMizer Technology; adoption of NVIDIA Quadro solutions; and availability of NVIDIA Quadro FX mobile boards are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause results to be materially different than expectations. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include: delays in ramping new products into production; difficulties in the development of new and enhanced products; manufacturing or software defects; the impact of technological development and competition; our reliance on third party manufacturers; changes in industry standards and interfaces as well as other factors detailed from time to time in the reports NVIDIA files with the Securities and Exchange Commission including its Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2007. Copies of reports filed with the SEC are posted on our website and are available from NVIDIA without charge. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and speak only as of the date hereof, and, except as required by law, NVIDIA disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances.