Three dimensional graphics specialist nVidia Corp has announced a new partnership deal with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co which it insists complements its current deal with SGS Thomson. Additionally, hot of the heels of competitor VideoLogic Group Plc it announced, its latest addition to the Riva 3D graphics processor family. nVidia said it has formed a multi-year strategic partnership with Taiwan Semiconductor which will only fabricate the company’s 3D graphics chips due to increased demand. SGS not only fabricates, but markets and sells the chips. Based in Hsin-Chu, Taiwan, Taiwan Semiconductor will assist in the manufacturing all future nVidia products starting with the latest offering, Riva 128ZX, which was announced at the same time. It will provide nVidia with deep sub-micron process technology. The new Riva chip features a port for an 8Mb frame buffer, AGP 2X to support the storage of high-quality 3D textures and a 250MHz Ramdac to support higher resolutions and larger screens. Videologic yesterday announced its second generation PowerVR 3D graphics technology. nVidia said that the entertainment market is still driving the three dimensional graphics market, but it anticipates increased demand from non games titles such as visualization tools in the next year or so.
