What appears to be the case is that, at mid-range resolutions such as 1024 x 768 x 32bpp where memory loads aren't too high, Dell's 64MB DDR SGRAM GeForce 256 runs faster than a 32MB SDR SDRAM GeForce 256 by about the same margin we would expect from a 32MB DDR SGRAM GeForce 256.

But when resolution and texture sizes increase, 32MB of memory is not enough. The 32MB of extra memory on Dell's card not only gives it a huge performance advantage in these situations, it also enables it run at high-quality, high-resolution settings that cause a 32MB SDR SDRAM GeForce 256 (and probably every other 32MB consumer gaming card available) to conk out. Either way, playing at 1600x1200 (providing you've got a large enough monitor) is fast becoming a reality.

Dell's 64MB DDR SGRAM GeForce 256 announcement is a strong move towards capturing more of the lucrative enthusiast gaming system market. While Dell already targets this market by offering an enthusiast game bundle with their Dimension systems, it sports quality but long out of date games such as Heretic II and Grim Fandango. By offering the fastest video card available, Dell is likely to hook new customers willing to spend what it takes to get the fastest system.

This new offering from a corporate giant is a far cry from the well known but relatively small system companies like Alienware and Falcon Northwest accommodating gamers high-end needs. It is certainly a plus for gamers, when a "corporate PC" company allocates a segment that's dedicated to the gaming community. For the first time, Dell will have a heavy presence at GDC (the Game Developer Conference) as well as E3 with the mission of appealing to gamers.

We will be receiving a Dell test system shortly with the 64MB DDR SGRAM GeForce 256 installed, so come on back to see how the card stacks up to our exhaustive testing procedures. The card is due to be released on Monday of this coming week.

Apparently, Dell will have a window of at least a month before joined by the competition (Guillemot, ASUS, LeadTek et al) in offering the enhanced board. Dell representatives told Sharky Extreme that their board will carry the 'reference design' tag usually reserved for NVIDIA's designs. On a final note, Dell is not only aware of the imminent release of NV15 but is already working with NVIDIA on a similar NV15 "plus" card. Scary.

Just when you thought there was a 'bit of a lull' in the graphics industry…

Jon Simon & Alex Ross