Dave Baumann
20-Nov-2002, 09:59
<p align="center">NVIDIA Delivers First Graphics Processor In 0.13 Micron Semiconductor Process
Deep Sub-Micron Process Technology Enables PC Industry's Most Advanced Cinematic GPU</p>GEFORCE FX LAUNCH - LONDON - November 18, 2002 - NVIDIA® Corporation (Nasdaq: NVDA), the worldwide leader in visual processing solutions, today announced that its new ground-breaking graphics processing unit (GPU), the NVIDIA® GeForce(tm) FX GPU, is the first to be manufactured on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company's (TSMC's) (TAIEX: 2330, NYSE: TSMC) 0.13 ?m (micron) and copper process, the most advanced semiconductor manufacturing process used in the graphics industry today. The GeForce FX GPU - the industry's first GPU to deliver real-time, cinematic quality graphics and special effects on the desktop PC, will begin volume manufacturing on 300 mm wafers in the Company's fourth fiscal quarter ending January 2003.
"The opportunity for innovation is a key factor in the success of the GeForce FX GPU," said David Kirk, Chief Scientist at NVIDIA. "Delivering a truly revolutionary graphics processor simply isn't possible using older process technologies like 0.15 micron. The 0.13 micron manufacturing process has allowed us to build small, fast transistors - which are the building blocks for delivering groundbreaking GPUs. By doing so, we've created a revolutionary new GPU packed with performance and an unmatched feature set."
The NVIDIA GeForce FX GPU combines TSMC's new 0.13 micron process with lower power transistors and high-speed copper interconnects, resulting in a higher-performance, 125 million transistor graphics processor - the most complex GPU in the graphics industry.
"NVIDIA's transition to the 0.13-micron process is a major step forward in the rapid growth of the graphics industry," stated Rick Tsai, President and COO at TSMC. "Together, TSMC and NVIDIA share a vision based on innovative design, advanced technology and responsive customer service as we continue to meet very aggressive adoption rates for NVIDIA at 0.13 micron. TSMC will continue to apply its industry-leading technology and manufacturing to the early delivery of 0.13 micron tape-outs to NVIDIA and all our valued customers."
TSMC owns Taiwan's first and most advanced production facility to date. At the end of 2000, TSMC delivered the industry's first 300mm customer's wafers at 0.18?m technology. In early April of 2001, TSMC marked another major milestone by successfully producing 0.13?m 4Mb SRAM test chips.
About NVIDIA
NVIDIA Corporation is a market leader in visual computing technology dedicated to creating products that enhance the interactive experience on consumer and professional computing platforms. Its graphics and communications processors have broad market reach and are incorporated into a wide variety of computing platforms, including consumer digital-media PCs, enterprise PCs, professional workstations, digital content creation systems, notebook PCs, military navigation systems and video games consoles. NVIDIA is headquartered in Santa Clara, California and employs more than 1,400 people worldwide. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.nvidia.co.uk <http://www.nvidia.co.uk>.
Deep Sub-Micron Process Technology Enables PC Industry's Most Advanced Cinematic GPU</p>GEFORCE FX LAUNCH - LONDON - November 18, 2002 - NVIDIA® Corporation (Nasdaq: NVDA), the worldwide leader in visual processing solutions, today announced that its new ground-breaking graphics processing unit (GPU), the NVIDIA® GeForce(tm) FX GPU, is the first to be manufactured on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company's (TSMC's) (TAIEX: 2330, NYSE: TSMC) 0.13 ?m (micron) and copper process, the most advanced semiconductor manufacturing process used in the graphics industry today. The GeForce FX GPU - the industry's first GPU to deliver real-time, cinematic quality graphics and special effects on the desktop PC, will begin volume manufacturing on 300 mm wafers in the Company's fourth fiscal quarter ending January 2003.
"The opportunity for innovation is a key factor in the success of the GeForce FX GPU," said David Kirk, Chief Scientist at NVIDIA. "Delivering a truly revolutionary graphics processor simply isn't possible using older process technologies like 0.15 micron. The 0.13 micron manufacturing process has allowed us to build small, fast transistors - which are the building blocks for delivering groundbreaking GPUs. By doing so, we've created a revolutionary new GPU packed with performance and an unmatched feature set."
The NVIDIA GeForce FX GPU combines TSMC's new 0.13 micron process with lower power transistors and high-speed copper interconnects, resulting in a higher-performance, 125 million transistor graphics processor - the most complex GPU in the graphics industry.
"NVIDIA's transition to the 0.13-micron process is a major step forward in the rapid growth of the graphics industry," stated Rick Tsai, President and COO at TSMC. "Together, TSMC and NVIDIA share a vision based on innovative design, advanced technology and responsive customer service as we continue to meet very aggressive adoption rates for NVIDIA at 0.13 micron. TSMC will continue to apply its industry-leading technology and manufacturing to the early delivery of 0.13 micron tape-outs to NVIDIA and all our valued customers."
TSMC owns Taiwan's first and most advanced production facility to date. At the end of 2000, TSMC delivered the industry's first 300mm customer's wafers at 0.18?m technology. In early April of 2001, TSMC marked another major milestone by successfully producing 0.13?m 4Mb SRAM test chips.
About NVIDIA
NVIDIA Corporation is a market leader in visual computing technology dedicated to creating products that enhance the interactive experience on consumer and professional computing platforms. Its graphics and communications processors have broad market reach and are incorporated into a wide variety of computing platforms, including consumer digital-media PCs, enterprise PCs, professional workstations, digital content creation systems, notebook PCs, military navigation systems and video games consoles. NVIDIA is headquartered in Santa Clara, California and employs more than 1,400 people worldwide. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.nvidia.co.uk <http://www.nvidia.co.uk>.