NVIDIA nForce 680a SLI chipset for AMD Quad FX

NVIDIA presents 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.

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.