MSI is the launch partner of the coming
New Generation GeForce FX Card		  


NVIDIA unveiled their next generation GPU (graphical processing unit), the GeForce FX, on Nov. 18th during the Comdex show. The GeForce FX chip comes loaded with features, ranging from raw power to visual finesse. The GeForce FX is the first graphics chip to be manufactured with the 0.13 micron process and the first to use DDR II memory, which allows for unprecedented data rates. Preliminary specifications indicate the GeForce FX will have a core clock speed of 500 MHz, memory clock speed of 500 MHz DDR (1 GHz effective), and theoretical fill rates of 4 billion pixels per second and 16 billion anti-aliased samples per second. It also boasts programmable pixel and vertex shaders and the ability to render 128-bit color internally.

It doesn’t stop there, NVIDIA’s GeForce FX boasts an enhanced, LightSpeed Memory Architecture 3 with one of the key additions being NVIDIA’s new color compression technology. This compression is completely loss-less, meaning there is no reduction in image quality of precision. As a result, memory bandwidth is used more efficiently, especially when anti-aliasing is enabled. Speaking of anti-aliasing, GeForce FX sports two new modes, a 6XS mode for Direct3D and a new 8X mode for both OpenGL and Direct3D.

Specifications & Features of the NVIDIA GeForce FX

GPU:
• .13u Manufacturing Process
• 125 Million Transistors ( 2X GeForce 4)
• 256-Bit GPU
• Flip-Chip BGA Package with copper interconnects
• 8 Pixel Per Clock (8 Pixel Pipelines)
• 1 TMU Per Pipe (16 Textures per unit)
• > 500MHz Core Clock (Will probably vary depending on model)
• AGP8X (2.1GB/s bandwidth)

Memory:
• Memory with >1GHz Data Rate (500MHz DDR)
• 128-Bit "DDRII" Type
• 128MB Memory Capacity
• 3rd. Generation Lightspeed Memory Architecture
• 48GB/s Effective bandwidth through the use of compression techniques. (16GB/s actual @ 500MHz)

Other:
• Full DX9 Compliance (and more)
• 64-Bit Floating-Point Color
• 128-Bit Floating-Point Color
• 2 x 400MHz Internal RAMDACs
• Long Program length for Pixel and Vertex Shading
• Conditional Execution for both Pixel and Vertex
• True Data-Dependant at Vertex
• Unified Vertex and Pixel Shading instruction set
• Unified Driver Architecture
• nView 2.0 - Multi-Display Technology
• Digital Vibrance Control 3.0

Here's a table comparing the previous generation's feature set of the GeForce4 Ti compared to the latest from the GeForce FX:
Higher Order Surfaces
GeForce4 Ti
GeForce FX
High Order Surface
x
x
Continuous Tessellation
x
x
Vertex Displacement Mapping
-
x
Geometry Displacement Mapping
-
x
Vertex Shaders
1.1
2.0+
Max Instructions
128
65536
Max Static Instructions
128
256
Max Constants
96
256
Temporary Registers
12
16
Max Loops
0
256
Static Control Flow
-
x
Dynamic Control Flow
-
x
Pixel Shaders
101
2.0+
Texture Maps
4
16
Max Texture Instructions
4
1024
Max Color Instructions
8
1025
Max Temp Storage
-
64
Data Type
INT
FP
Data Precision
32-bit
128-bit

NVIDIA has also developed its cooling solution, dubbed FX Flow, to dissipate heat from the GPU. Using a high speed fan and a copper radiator, FX Flow draws air in from outside the case to cool the GPU, but at the cost of a PCI slot. To be able to run stable, the GeForce FX will require an external power source.
(NVIDIA GeForce FX reference card)

The Dawn of Cinematic Computing -- Bring cinema effects to the PC

Combine all of the features above; computer users get a GPU that produces cinematic quality visuals in games. NVIDIA's CineFX engine uses specialized graphics programs called shaders to convert artistic vision into digital content.

NVIDIA used three advanced shaders to achieve a realistic look of cinematic quality artwork:
• Vertex Shaders - Two key vertex shaders drive her motion: a branching skeletal shader where the body mesh is driven by several different combinations of internal bones, and a blend shape shader that deforms her face based on control parameters.
• Skin Shader - This uses a complex combination of color maps, specular maps, and blood characteristic maps to produce very realistic skin. In addition, lighting subtleties are accomplished with a series of cube maps for diffuse specular and "highlight" skin lighting.
• Wing Shader - A translucent shader is used for the wings. This modifies both the reflected color off the wings as well as the amount of light passing through the wings based on viewing and light angles.

(Pictures from NVIDIA web site)


MSI leads in bringing the latest technology to our customers

MSI products are developed utilizing advanced technology and with user-friendly design in mind. We are strongly aware that the best way to gain customer confidence is to constantly challenge ourselves. Enhancing product quality and earning customer trust have always been MSI's foremost goal.

The company's technology investments further differentiate MSI from competitors and provide the foundation for future growth. MSI is conducting advanced research to overcome technical barriers so they will not impede the company's future manufacturing and product plans. Whenever AMD, Intel, NVIDIA, and other providers introduce a new technology, we generate compatible products within the same general period of time. Moreover, MSI products consistently win honors in reviews and recommendations in the computer media throughout the world. These accomplishments show that MSI maintains an R&D capability to be reckoned with.

Our graphics card product line provides a great example. MSI currently is:
° No. 1 NVIDIA card partner worldwide (5 Million units+ in 2001, MSI estimates 11 Million units+ in 2002)
° No. 1 choice for Tier-One OEM PC manufacturers
° The first company to exceed 1 million units/month in graphics card shipments
° NVIDIA Reference Design Card Partner
° Among the first to ship GeForce 3-based VGA cards
° Among the first to ship GeForce 4-based VGA cards
° NVIDIA launch partner and Select Solution Provider
° A provider of NVIDIA’s complete line of motherboards and VGA cards

Technical leadership and innovation are the pillars behind MSI's effort to maintain its momentum. MSI is proud to be the launch partner of the new GeForce FX again. The new MSI GeForce FX cards are scheduled to ship to N. American in early 2003. Please visit MSI website often for availability information.

For all MSI Press Release, please go to here.