A New Name for a New Generation

While NVIDIA’s GeForce 9 series further optimized the unified shader architecture that debuted with the GeForce 8800 GTX (G80), there were no significant changes in the architecture. The flagship member of the series, the GeForce 9800 GTX packed the same number of stream processors as the original G80, with the die shrink to 65nm the biggest physical change. The other was an increase in transistors due to the integration of the much enhanced VP2 video processor engine for hardware accelerated HD playback into its G92 core.

Therefore, given the short life-cycle of the average GPU, it’s about time NVIDIA came up with its next generation architecture. And the graphics industry leader has not only delivered an improved unified architecture, it has also revamped its naming scheme. Partly, this is due to the company reaching a natural limit to its four digit scheme with the GeForce 9000 series, while its products and their numerous prefixes were confusing some consumers. ATI has also recently simplified its product lineup starting with Radeon HD 3000 series so this move by NVIDIA to follow suit is not unexpected.

• http://www.hardwarezone.com/articles/view.php?cid=3&id=2593