GeForce is called a 'GPU' for 'Graphics Processing Unit', and this name was chosen to give it the right honors in comparison with the all-important 'CPU'. GeForce ensembles no less than 23 million transistors, which is in the same range as AMD's Athlon or Intel's upcoming Coppermine processor. Intel or AMD take more than 10 times more money for one, which makes you wonder why the 3D-chip industry is still alive. This engine is the real reason for the name 'GPU', because it adds a huge amount of computing power to GeForce, which makes it a lot more than just a chip that displays 3D-graphics.
Lighting is just as transforming a pretty FP-calculation intensive task.
Both tasks used to be executed by the CPU, putting rather heavy strain on it. GeForce is supposed to put an end to this dilemma, it can take the strain off the CPU, can keep the 3D-pipeline from stalling and allows game developers to use much more polygons, which automatically results in greatly increased detail. At the same time the CPU can dedicate itself to a more complex game AI or more realistic game physics. High Fill Rate Click here to find lowest prices on monitors, displays and projectors. Copyright of all documents and scripts belonging to this site by Thomas Pabst 1996 - 2001.