GeForce 3 series
The GeForce 3 series (NV20) is the third generation of Nvidia's GeForce graphics processing units (GPUs). Introduced in February 2001, it advanced the GeForce architecture by adding programmable pixel and vertex shaders, multisample anti-aliasing and improved the overall efficiency of the rendering process.
| Release date | February 27, 2001 |
|---|---|
| Codename | NV20 |
| Architecture | Kelvin |
| Models |
|
| Cards | |
| Mid-range | GeForce 3, Ti 200 |
| High-end | GeForce 3, Ti 500 |
| API support | |
| DirectX | Direct3D 8.0 Vertex Shader 1.1 Pixel Shader 1.1 |
| OpenGL | OpenGL 1.3 |
| History | |
| Predecessor | GeForce 2 series |
| Successor | GeForce 4 series |
| Support status | |
| Unsupported | |
The GeForce 3 was unveiled during the 2001 Macworld Conference & Expo/Tokyo 2001 in Makuhari Messe and powered realtime demos of Pixar's Junior Lamp and id Software's Doom 3. Apple would later announce launch rights for its new line of computers.
The GeForce 3 family comprises 3 consumer models: the GeForce 3, the GeForce 3 Ti200, and the GeForce 3 Ti500. A separate professional version, with a feature-set tailored for computer aided design, was sold as the Quadro DCC. A derivative of the GeForce 3, known as the NV2A, is used in the Microsoft Xbox game console.