Today, NVIDIA is raising the performance bar for a single graphics card by announcing the availability of the GeForce 7950 Graphics Processing Unit (GPU). The GeForce 7950 is comprised of two GPUs on a single graphics card that work together to deliver unprecedented 3D performance. Graphics cards based on the the GeForce 7950 will carry the "GX2" suffix and range in price from $599 to $649.
NVIDIA GeForce 7950 GX2
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Although the GeForce 7950 GX2 is referred to as a dual-PCB design, the graphics card features a single PCI Express x16 connector. The GeForce 7950 also distinguishes itself by working, in a single graphics card configuration, on PCI Express compliant motherboards with a properly configured system BIOS (SBIOS).
The BIOS updates include support for PCI Express switching, which is an integral part of the technology behind the GeForce 7950 GX2. The following list of Asus and Gigabyte motherboards and their BIOS version were available at product launch. Please check NVIDIA for an up-to-date list of motherboards and BIOS versions that are compatible with the GeForce 7950 GX2.
GeForce 7950 GX2 - System BIOS Requirements*
SLI technology allows two GeForce 7950 GX2-based graphics cards to be used in forming a quad-SLI configuration, which continues to be a feature exclusive to system builders. However, NVIDIA does have plans to bring quad-SLI technology to consumers through other channels in the near future.
NVIDIA GeForce 7950 GX2
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SPECIFICATIONS
The GeForce 7950 GTX is being targeted as a solution for Extreme High Definition (XHD) gaming, which includes playing at widescreen resolutions up to 2560x1600. At 2560x1600, Dell's new 30-inch LCD provides a whopping 78% increase in the number of pixels over the default 1920x1200 resolution of a recently acquired Dell 24-inch LCD.
Dell 2405FPW Widescreen LCD
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Based on pricing at launch, the GeForce 7950 GX2 looks to be positioned between the GeForce 7900 GTX in a single and SLI configuration.
Specifications Comparison
The GeForce 7950 GX2 features an NVIDIA custom-developed PCI Express switch that directs the PCI Express connection from the system to both GPUs.
