Nvidia Launches GeForce GT 440 Graphics Card
Nvidia on Monday confirmed the launch of its GeForce GT 440 graphics card for mid-range systems.
Sold exclusively through OEMs, the GT440 is based on Nvidia's CUDA architecture, code-named Fermi, which serves as the basis for Nvidia's parallel computing efforts at expanding the application of GPU visualization technology. However, the GT 440 reference architecture is designed for casual gaming.
The GeForce GT 440 comes with two standard memory configurations: The first offers a seemingly unnecessary 3 GB of DDR3 graphics memory clocked at 1,800 MHz and the other comes with 1.5 GB at 1,600 MHz.
The GT 440 features a basic 594 MHz core frequency and 144 CUDA cores with a clock speed of 1,189 MHz. It has a 144 shader GPU running at 494 MHz, a 192-bit memory interface and comes with a DVI, D-sub, HDMI port and an SLI connector. It also supports Windows DX 11 graphics technology for Windows 7 aimed at improving the detail and fluidity of the gaming experience.
Nvidia began shipping the GeForce 440 ’in high volume’ to OEMs in September, but the company does not disclose OEM pricing for any of its products, an Nvidia spokesperson said in an email.
Next: Two Other New Nvidia Products
Nvidia is also releasing a GT 450 card which features a 783 MHz core frequency and 192 CUDA cores with a clock speed of 1,566 MHz, and also comes with a standard memory configuration of 1-GB GDDR5. Nvidia has yet to provide details on pricing or release date, but according to published reports, the GT440 is expected to be priced at less than $100.
Nvidia last week released its GT430 graphics card, a low-end reference design mainly for purposes of home entertainment.
Meanwhile, Nvidia on Monday also released new video card drivers aimed at increased performance for gaming in particular. The Forceware 260.89 drivers support a range of GeForce processors including the 200, 300, and 400 series cards for desktops. They have been certified by Windows Hardware Quality Labs and are available for download directly from the chip maker's Website.