Nvidia already testing GM204-based graphics cards internally

Although not a lot of people outside of Nvidia Corp. know exactly what the code-named GM204 graphics processor unit is and when it is supposed to hit the market, it looks like there is one thing that we can be sure about: internal testing of the new graphics solution has already begun.

A shipping declaration of one of the packages sent by Nvidia to its test labs in India was partly published in Chinese forum at Chiphell web-site. The authenticity of the document could not be verified, so, it could be a fake, especially keeping in mind that it contains multiple typos. The package, which contains a test version of the GM204-based graphics card, was allegedly shipped in late April from China.

The test graphics card sent by Nvidia to its subsidiary in India is reportedly based on the code-named GM204 graphics processing unit and carries 8GB of GDDR5 memory. The declaration naturally lacks any specifications of the actual graphics processing unit, but 8GB of GDDR5 memory clearly points to an enthusiast-class graphics card. Since the board is based on alleged A01 revision of the chip, it is an early sample of the GM204-based product that will hardly ever reach the market.

While we do know that the GM204 product is based on Maxwell architecture, we still do not known whether the chip is made using 20nm or 28nm process technology.

A rumour published at VideoCardz web-site indicates that the GM204-based graphics cards will be at least 10 per cent more powerful than the GeForce GTX 780 Ti, which means that the number of stream processors (SPs) inside the GM204 is similar or higher compared to GK110’s 2880 SPs. In case it is, it is likely that the chip is made using 20nm fabrication process.

Nvidia did not comment on the news-story.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: In case the information about internal tests of the GM204 is correct and Nvidia is testing graphics cards based on the GM204 now, it is logical to expect commercial graphics cards powered by the chip to emerge on the market sometimes in late 2014. At least, the GM204 has good chances to become a 2014, not a 2015 product.

Become a Patron!