When Nvidia Corp. released its code-named GF104 chip earlier this year, it was widely believed that the graphics processor would eventually power dual-chip graphics board for enthusiasts demanding maximum performance. But as time went on, Nvidia remained quiet about its potential dual-chip flagship product. However, it looks like one of Nvidia's partners wants to create such a device itself.

Zotac, a well-known maker of Nvidia GeForce-based graphics cards, is reportedly working on a dual-chip graphics card powered by two GeForce GTX 460 graphics processing units (GPUs), reports Expreview web-site. The board will be, at least initially, equipped with 2GB of GDDR5 memory (1GB per chip) and will feature four DVI-I connectors so to make it easier to plug in three monitors for stereoscopic 3D surround gaming. The Zotac GTX 460X2 will require rather robust power supply unit with two 8-pin PCIe power plugs.

Zotac GTX460X2. Image by Expreview

Some of Zotac's rivals experimented with dual-chip GF100-based graphics cards earlier this year. However, none of those boards reached mass production due to massive power consumption. Thanks to moderate requirements of GF104 and its high overclocking potential, Zotac's GTX 460X2 has more chances to become a mass product than solutions powered by higher-end GeForce GTX 470 or 480 GPUs.

Considering the fact that Nvidia is reportedly working on code-named GF110 chip that will power the GeForce GTX 580 flagship solution, it is unlikely that other companies will follow Zotac with their dual-chip GF104-based solutions.

Pricing and availability date of Zotac GTX 460X2 are unknown at the moment.

Tags: Zotac, Geforce, GF104, Fermi, Nvidia