nVidia and ATI roll out graphics support for the Itanium 2

By Alun Williams

Posted on 9 Jul 2002 at 17:08

Following the release of Intel's next-generation 64-bit processor, the Itanium 2, nVidia and ATI announce support for the new design.

As well as targeting servers, the 64-bit Itanium 2 processor does also address the workstation-based market for demanding graphics applications, such as 3D modelling and data simulation. Both nVidia and ATI are keeping up to date with the new release.

nVidia has updated its workstation-based Quadro range for high-performance graphics.
Building on the Itanium's ability to address larger graphics datasets, nVidia's Quadro4 graphics boards have now been optimised for the Itanium 2. These are designed to support CAD and digital content creation applications.

'nVidia's investment in optimising both its graphics and driver technology will benefit OEMs and end users as they adopt the Itanium 2 processor,' asserts Mike Graf, Intel's product line manager for the Itanium. 'By delivering drivers optimised for the Itanium 2 processor across their entire workstation-based family top to bottom, nVidia brings its proven track record in delivering high-performance graphics solutions to the most demanding workstation arenas.'

Workstations with the nVidia Quadro4 Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) and the Intel Itanium 2 processor are already available from HP.

ATI's support for the new Itanium release - the company has supported the processor family since its introduction - comes in the form of optimised software drivers. For the first time ATI's shader technology and 3D graphics will be available for a 64-bit environment with its FIRE GL graphics adapters supporting the new processor.

'Intel's Itanium 2 processor will change the face of the 3D graphics market, giving users the ability to work with far more complex and life-like images,' believes Rick Bergman, General Manager at ATI Technologies.