Nvidia Corp. on Monday launched its second graphics processor that belongs to the Fermi generation. The new code-named GF104 chip aims at performance mainstream market and will compete against such solutions as ATI Radeon HD 5830.

The new GF104 graphics processing unit (GPU) powers GeForce GTX 460-series graphics cards with 1GB or 768MB of onboard GDDR5 memory. Called “the gamers’ sweet spot”, the GeForce GTX 460 graphics chip sports 336 stream processors (configured as 48 SPs per streaming multiprocessor), 56 texture units, 7 polymorph engines for tessellation as well as 24 (for 768MB version) or 32 (for 1GB ) render back ends.

Just like the other members of the GeForce GTX 400-series family, the novelties support such proprietary technologies as CUDA-accelerated software, 3D Vision stereo-3D output and PhysX engine for processing of physics effects in select video games.

The new graphics boards consume up to 160W, according to Nvidia, and require two 6-pin PCIe power connectors. The power consumption of the products seems to be quite high considering their pricing, but Nvidia hopes that gamers will still acquire the new GeForce GTX 460-series products despite of possible necessity to upgrade their power supply units. The 1GB board will cost $229, whereas the 768MB version will be priced at $199, Nvidia said. Potentially, both versions offer better price-to-performance ratio than competing ATI Radeon HD 5830.

The GeForce GTX 460 768MB version is available starting today from the world's leading add-in card partners, including ASL, Asustek Computer, Colorful, ECS, EVGA, Gainward, Galaxy, Gigabyte, Innovision 3D, Jetway, KFA2, Leadtek, MSI, Palit, Point of View, PNY, Sparkle, Zotac and others. Wider availability of the GeForce GTX 460 1GB is expected by July 26, 2010.

Tags: Nvidia, GF104, Fermi, 40nm, Geforce