NVIDIA Partners and Customers Get Ready for Microsoft Windows Vista

Three generations of NVIDIA GPUs to be Windows Vista Premium Certified offer customers a high-quality computing experience with Microsoft’s upcoming operating system

NVIDIA today announced support for the Microsoft “Certified for Windows Vista” logo program and the certification of an extensive line of graphics processing units (GPUs).

The program, the latest in a series of milestones leading up to the launch of Windows Vista, identifies the industry partners working closely with Microsoft to help educate consumers so they make the best choices when buying or upgrading their PC.

"We offer the broadest range of products, from low-priced mainstream GeForce solutions to those found in the ultimate gaming PCs, that are now available and certified as ready for Windows Vista," said Lew Wagman, strategic marketing director at NVIDIA. "Our customers can purchase these graphics cards and know that they will be equipped to handle all the amazing new 3D visual aspects of Windows Vista, as well as an ever increasing list of GPU accelerated mainstream applications now available."

"The Certified for Windows Vista logo program helps people identify hardware that works optimally with Windows Vista-based PCs," said Dave Wascha, director of partner marketing for Windows Vista at Microsoft Corp. "NVIDIA GPU products help bring to life the 3-D graphics possible with Windows Vista, typifying customers with the great experiences that the Certified for Windows Vista logo promises."

NVIDIA will offer broad support for Windows Vista, certifying three generations of GPUs, from the latest GeForce 7 series to the GeForce FX series, launched back in 2002. Additionally, partners including BFG, EVGA and XFX will offer NVIDIA products Certified for Windows Vista at major retailers like Best Buy, Circuit City and Fry’s Electronics. This level of support is key as it helps both consumers looking to buy a new PC as well as those looking to either upgrade a current PC or confirm that the PC they have is ready for Windows Vista.

"NVIDIA provides Alienware with a broad toolbox of powerful graphics solutions that are perfectly suited to take advantage of the breathtaking graphics capability that Windows Vista will offer consumers, particularly in the gaming and high performance PC space," said Frank Azor, Senior Vice President of Alienware’s Product Group. "As one of the early leaders in promoting the performance virtues of the SLI technology architecture, the strong partnership between Alienware and NVIDIA is one of the core reasons why Alienware continues to be a brand of choice for those consumers seeking the most powerful graphics solutions available."

Microsoft is providing a host of resources to help consumers "Get Ready" for Windows Vista. The Certified for Windows Vista logo is the latest in a series of programs and tools designed to help consumers learn more about their options when planning for the move to Windows Vista.

"NVIDIA provides us with all the tools and support to bring consumers the broadest selection of graphics cards for their Windows Vista-based PCs," said Andrew Han, President at EVGA. "Windows Vista is the first operating system that requires a GPU to get the best end user experience and in offering three generations of NVIDIA products, we are able to provide our customers the right product for their PC."