NVIDIA Intros ‘Megatasking’ nForce 680a SLI

NVIDIA Introduces the Heart of the Definitive "Megatasking" Computing Platform — New NVIDIA nForce® 680a SLI™ MCP-based Motherboards with New AMD Athlon 64 FX-70 Series Processors Redefines the Ultimate PC Category

NVIDIA Corporation, the worldwide leader in programmable graphics processor technologies, today introduced the immediate availability of the new NVIDIA nForce 680a SLI media and communications processor (MCP), designed specifically for the new AMD Quad FX Platform with Dual Socket Direct Connect Architecture. The exclusive core-logic launch partner for AMD Quad FX processors, the NVIDIA nForce 680a SLI MCP provides processing capabilities on a massive scale, by allowing multimedia and megatasking users to harness the power of up to 4 GPUs, 8 displays, 12 SATA hard drives, and 4 gigabit Ethernet connections, all from a single consumer desktop PC.

"For those interested in high performance PC gaming, digital content creation and editing, massive media storage, or mega multitasking, this is truly an excellent platform for the ultimate enthusiast user," said Drew Henry, general manager of MCP business at NVIDIA. "The combination of new AMD Quad FX Platform using AMD Athlon 64 FX-70 series processors and the sheer functionality of our new NVIDIA nForce 680a SLI MCP will allow users to build a system that can serve as both a home media server for video and music, power the latest video and image editing software, provide a compelling NVIDIA SLI gaming experience, and hold its own against any multi-display desktop PC today."

The NVIDIA nForce 680a SLI MCP is a motherboard core-logic solution providing a host of technologies that redefine the ultimate PC category. These include support for NVIDIA SLI multi-GPU technology, with four PCI Express slots that can be used to drive up to eight independent, high-resolution displays for extended work spaces; and advanced networking and storage capabilities, including support for up to 4 gigabit Ethernet connections and 12 SATA hard drives for a combined 8 terabytes of media storage. Additionally, the NVIDIA nForce 680a SLI MCP has been architected to take advantage of the power behind AMD Athlon 64 FX-70 series processors, allowing users to also run multiple multi-threaded, CPU-intensive applications simultaneously without compromising performance.

"The AMD Quad FX Platform using the NVIDIA nForce 680a SLI MCP-based motherboard brings enthusiasts amazing megatasking capabilities and flexibility," said Bob Brewer, corporate vice president, Desktop Division, AMD. "The AMD Quad FX Platform is designed for enthusiasts who demand the ultimate multi-threading performance from their computer. The architecture allows a user to run multiple applications at the same time, such as video gaming, streaming media throughout the home, while running applications in the background such as e-mail or burning a DVD, and maintaining an amazing level of performance."

The NVIDIA nForce 680a SLI MCP and the AMD Quad FX Platform are an ideal match for the Company’s new GeForce® 8 series of GPUs, the industry’s first to incorporate a highly-efficient unified shader architecture with full support for Microsoft® DirectX® 10, and the upcoming Microsoft Windows Vista™ operating system. The new 3D graphical user interface and multithreading capabilities found in Vista align well with the megatasking capabilities of the AMD Quad FX Platform. As new DirectX 10 games and applications start to roll out, the AMD Quad FX Platform will be well equipped to offer users incredible performance with amazing functionality.

System builders currently offering AMD Quad FX Platform-based PCs include Cyberpower, iBuypower, Maingear, Vigor, and others. The ASUS L1N64-SLI WS motherboard featuring the NVIDIA nForce 680a SLI MCP is also available now through the system builder channel and regular e-tail outlets.

For more information on the NVIDIA nForce 680a SLI MCP, please visit http://www.nvidia.com.