NVIDIA ships 192-shader Quadro FX 4800

NVIDIA on Tuesday switched focus to its highest-end workstation cards with the unveiling of the Quadro FX 4800. The chipset is based on the same architecture as the GeForce GTX 260 and carries 192 programmable shader cores but is tuned for 3D modeling and other pro apps: it carries a full 1.5GB of memory for higher-detailed models and textures, supports 30-bit color output and allows 32X full-scene antialiasing. The 4800 is roughly twice as fast as previous cards, the company claims.

A reference Quadro FX 4800 carries two DisplayPort outputs with 10-bit color support and also carries a single dual-link DVI connection that supports up to 3840x2400 at 24Hz.

NVIDIA has set up a quick launch and says boards should be available from Elsa, Leadtek and PNY today for about $1,999. System builders should also be offering cards as part of finished computers, though the companies responsible haven't been named.