Over in Computex 2010, NVIDIA has demoed a beast of a graphics card, a prototype Dual-GTX 470 video adapter proving that it is possible to create a Dual-GF100 adapter. Even though this hot, power-hungry, oversized piece of technology will probably never see production, it is one sweet piece of kit.
Within the Dual-GTX 470, the two Fermi dies reside on the same board together with the upgraded components and GDDR5 RAM. It measures 12 inches in length and is currently being demoed by add-in board partner Galaxy.
Technical Specifications and Performance
Clock speeds, unfortunately, haven’t been released, but Galaxy did confirm the power consumption for the dual-Fermi is twice that of the GTX 470, approximately 430W, 2 x 215W, which would take a whopping PSU to power. This level of power consumption indicates that the card is designed for high-performance tasks, likely targeting enthusiasts and professionals who require substantial graphical processing power.
The Dual-GTX 470’s architecture is based on NVIDIA’s Fermi architecture, which was known for its significant improvements in parallel computing capabilities. This makes the card not only suitable for gaming but also for computational tasks such as scientific simulations, 3D rendering, and complex data analysis.
Potential Applications and Market Impact
While the Dual-GTX 470 may never see mass production, its demonstration serves as a proof of concept for what is technologically possible. High-performance graphics cards like this one are crucial for pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved in both gaming and professional applications. For instance, in gaming, a card of this caliber could easily handle the most demanding titles at ultra-high settings, providing an immersive experience with high frame rates and stunning visuals.
In professional settings, the card could be used for tasks that require massive parallel processing power. Examples include real-time 3D rendering in animation studios, complex simulations in scientific research, and even cryptocurrency mining, where the card’s ability to perform multiple calculations simultaneously would be highly beneficial.
Moreover, the development of such high-performance cards often leads to trickle-down benefits for the consumer market. Technologies and innovations developed for these top-tier products eventually make their way into more affordable, mainstream graphics cards, thereby improving the overall quality and performance of consumer-grade hardware.
Challenges and Future Prospects
One of the significant challenges with the Dual-GTX 470 is its power consumption. At 430W, it requires a robust power supply unit, which adds to the overall cost and complexity of the system. Additionally, the heat generated by such a powerful card necessitates advanced cooling solutions, which can further increase the cost and size of the setup.
However, these challenges are not insurmountable. As technology advances, we can expect to see improvements in power efficiency and cooling solutions. For example, the development of more efficient power management systems and the use of advanced materials for heat dissipation could make such high-performance cards more viable for everyday use.
In conclusion, while the Dual-GTX 470 may remain a prototype, its existence highlights the continuous advancements in graphics card technology. It serves as a testament to what is possible and sets the stage for future innovations that will continue to push the boundaries of performance and capability in both gaming and professional applications.
Via Softpedia
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