Nvidia Fermi Next-Gen Graphics Architecture Has 512 Cores

7:07AM October 1, 2009 | Matt Buchanan

Fermi is Nvidia’s new GPU architecture that’s going to be the basis for all of its new graphics cards. With 512 cores and 3 billion transistors, it will nuke Crysis.

The architecture really is a huge leap forward, according to people who’ve gone through it in-depth. Interestingly, the huge focus for Fermi is GPU computing. The first actual goods coming out using Fermi should be the GT300 series cards, which, besides the 512 cores sorted into 16 streaming processors with 32 cores each, uses a brand new GDDR5 memory setup.

PC Perspective has an epic write-up breaking down Fermi in detail that’s worth a whirl, and of course Nvidia’s got lots of fluff themselves all about Fermi. Strangely, they don’t explain the name, which sounds like a sad little poodle. [Nvidia, PC Perspective]

Comments

  • Michael

    October 1, 2009 at 11:37 AM

    My guess is that the name is a nod to Enrico Fermi, the italian physicist. Suggestions that the new architecture is verging on nuclear powered perhaps?

    • Daniel

      October 1, 2009 at 8:14 PM

      makes sense…

      maybe this is yet another good reason to hold off a new computer for a little while.

  • Matti Martin

    October 1, 2009 at 4:54 PM

    “The name comes from scientist and professor Enrico Fermi, who participated in the creation of the first atomic bomb.” Quote from Nordichardware.

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