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Nvidia ships hardware before Microsoft

Steve Conaway Labs Manager / Senior Technical Project Manager
I am the Labs Manager for CNET's Home Division based in Louisville, KY. My interest in technology began in the early '90s, and soon after I began my double major in computer science and computer engineering. I've worked in many areas, including computer hardware, software, technology, networking, graphic design, instruction, construction, music and even ballroom dancing! 65% Ron Swanson, 25% Ben Wyatt, 10% Andy Dwyer.
Expertise I've been an outdoor enthusiast my entire life. I also renovate, flip and build houses in my 'spare' time. Paired with our test lab facilities, I write about lots of outdoor related things - portable power stations, tools, etc.
Steve Conaway

Even though Microsoft is slipping behind on releasing its new desktop operating system, Nvidia is charging full steam ahead with its two new video cards.

Nvidia said last week that it is shipping two new GeForce 7 series graphics processing units (GPUs): the GeForce 7600 GS and the GeForce 7300 LE.

Nvidia GPU
GeForce 7600 GS GPU

The GeForce 7600 GS GPU is designed for high-definition gaming and home-theater quality HD video. The GeForce 7300 LE boosts video and gaming features and delivers HD video in resolutions of up to 1080i.

The cards are designed to work with Windows Vista. The Vista operating system will be able to increase graphical performance by offloading video processing to a dedicated GPU. Nvidia claims it has the industry's only GPU architecture with full support for Microsoft DirectX(R) 9.0 Shader Model 3.0.

Nvidia did not specify the price for the GPUs. But in Nvidia's press release, e-tailer Newegg.com indicated that the cards cost between $129 and $149.