Mar. '02 Headlines

The core-clock of the GeForce4 runs at a blazing 300 MHz, which is a 25% faster than the GeForce3 Ti's 240 MHz clock.  Memory runs on a 325 MHz DDR bus, which amounts an theoretical 650 MHz bus.  

An interesting feature of the GeForce4 is that it can address up to 10.4 GB/sec worth of data.  This is an astronomical achievement, considering a Pentium 4 CPU itself only address data at 3.2 GB/sec.

Bumps in core-clock and memory speed are not the only features which make the GeForce4 shine.  The GeForce4 architecture natively supports what is called "Accuview" anti-aliasing (AA).  What this feature allows is smoother, more realistic edges within 3D games.  Many avid gamers will enjoy what Accuview AA feature can offer.  (Most games available today have "jagged" edges with character and scenery depictions).

The GeForce4's nfiniteFX Engine is also another enhancement included in the chipset design.  As the GeForce3 had blown the world away with implementation of a vertex shader, many 3D enthusiasts were glad to see Nvidia moving forward with 3D-rendering innovation.  Building upon the GeForce3 chipset,  The GeForce4 adds a second vertex shader in its nfiniteFX Engine.  This brings plenty of headroom for future 3D games, and will easily allow more advanced geometry functions to be performed per cycle.

Finally, the GeForce4 introduces Nvidia's "nView" technology into the mainframe.  Nvidia has realized that graphics professionals and high-end home users need multiple-display support under Windows.  Nvidia's first foray into this arena was the TwinView architecture, which was included with the GeForce2 MX family.  nView builds upon previous-generation TwinView technology by allowing 32 simultaneous desktop environments.  As a limitation with the GeForce4 family, nView is limited to two-display setups.  

(For programmers wanting additional monitor support, the nView technology allows four-display support in the Quadro4 line of graphics cards).

The GeForce4 Ti 4600, the flagship of the GeForce4 lineup, can be found through OEM channels starting at $379.  To appeal to the mainstream market, Nvidia created the GeForce4 MX family.  These are watered-down versions of the GeForce4, and do not have any vertex shaders implemented.   

<<Main Page

KT333 Chipset Introduces Athlon CPUs to PC2700 Memory  [03/02 Top Story]

Nvidia Releases the GeForce4 Chipset into the Market

Search Engines to Charge Internet Users?

Lindows Name Being Challenged in U.S. Courts

CALROG.COM 2000-2002 Headlines.Copyright Info listed here. Thank you for visiting CALROG.COM, where we report the latest technology for the public throughout a monthly schedule.