G80 is perhaps best known as the first DirectX 10-compatible graphics cards but the questions surrounding NVIDIA’s new graphics circuits are still numerous in amount. We’ve seen loads of information about the possible specifications of the card but also rumors about various launch dates. As the information varies it’s hard to say that much about the latest one. GeForce 8800, which is suppose to be the name of the G80 family, is said to be presented during the middle of November. This information comes from graphics card manufacturers but whether it would mean that NVIDIA will do a real hardware launch or just a paper one remains to be seen. It at least looks like GeForce 8800 will be available in stores this year.
It pretty obvious though that the circuit’s main attraction, the DX10 compatibility, will have to stay dormant for some time. I.e. until Windows Vista arrives with support for DX10 and Shader Model 4.0. At the same time one are wondering how many games that will actually use DX10 anytime soon.
Graphics card manufacturers has also announced that they are doubting that ATI’s DX10-krets, R600, will appear before the end of the year, which we’ve earlier recieved indications for. If NVIDIA can keep its launch date in November we’re curious to see how much of an advantage it will have on ATI considering there is no official operating system supporting its hottest features.
