When Nvidia launched its GT200 chip as GeForce GTX260 and 280, there was little doubt about thermal characteristics of these chips. 1.4 billion transistors manufactured in 65nm process were quite sufficient to decrease your heating bill during winter. However, when Nvidia introduced a 55nm die-shrink, room of opportunity opened up for making more compact designs. With power consumption decreased by 25-35%, we saw the introduction of Quadro CX and FX4800 cards with just one power connector (max. 145W TDP), but the development didn’t stop there.

The company introduced three new Quadro cards, with FX3800 taking the pinnacle of our interest. This single-slot card features the same single-slot cooler as venerable 8800GT, but it is based on GT200 GPU. FX3800 comes with 192 cores, with 256-bit memory controller connecting to 1GB of GDDR3 memory. Memory is clocked at 800 MHz DDR (1.6 GT/s), meaning overall available bandwidth is set at 51.2 GB/s. Given the fact that FX3700 was based on already mentioned 9600GT chip, this is a very good increase in GPU performance – from 64 to 192 cores for the same price.


There you go…three cards, all single slot. Now, the importent part. Apple, are you listening? Put THESE cards as BTO option for Mac Pro!

Second introduced card was Quadro FX 1800, new mainstream part. This card is based on venerable G92GL chip (first used in GeForce 8800GT), offering just 64 cores and 192-bit memory interface, connecting to 768MB of GDDR3 memory. Memory is once more clocked at 800 MHz DDR and achieves 38.4GB/s. If your alarms are ringing, you’re not far off – this card is actually based on GeForce 9600GSO. The entry-level workstation market is now represented with Quadro FX580. This card features G96GL core with 32 cores and 128-bit memory controller. This time around, you have 512MB memory to play with at already expected 800 MHz DDR clock, resulting in 25.6GB/s of available memory bandwidth.

All three cards come with two 10-bit per channel DisplayPort and a dual-link DVI connector that can be converted into HDMI output using an adapter. Power-wise, FX580 will consume mere 40W; FX1800 eats just 59W, while FX3800 eats up 107W (equal to two-year old 8800GT).
Price-wise, Nvidia refreshed its complete line-up in order to keep up with the rise of ATI FirePro and market situation, losing a once hefty margin. In case of just launched cards, FX580 retails for $149, FX1800 is targeting $599; while FX3800 will set you back $899. If you want the joy of 32xAA, you can pair two of the cards in SLI mode.

Wrapping it all up, you can expect news about new ATi FirePro cards later this or early next week. Competition is now heated in workstation space too… finally.