Nvidia Corp. this week added a new graphics processing unit (GPU) to its desktop lineup. The new GeForce 7300 GS product will offer higher performance in games and video playback compared to the offerings sold to date for around $100.?br />

?For a home theater PC, GeForce 7300 GS delivers exceptional video acceleration and incredible image quality to take the viewing experience to the next-level. For an entry-level gaming PC, GeForce 7300 GS delivers Shader Model 3.0 support and support for high dynamic-ranging lighting (HDR), which we expect new games will require in the future,?said Ujesh Desai, general manager of desktop GPUs at Nvidia. ?br />

Nvidia GeForce 7300 GS graphics chip features four pixel processors, three vertex processors, features Shader Model 3.0 and other innovations, just like its predecessor GeForce 6200- and 6500-series. But it features much higher clock-speeds, as it is produced using 90nm process technology, is a bit more efficiency, sports improved PureVideo engine, which should positively affect overall performance of the product.?br />

The GeForce 7300 GS comes clocked at 550MHz for chip, 800MHz for GDDR3 memory local buffer, can carry up to 128MB of onboard memory while addressing much more thanks to TurboCache 2 technology.?br />

The GeForce 7300 GS-based graphics cards are expected to be available for purchase at approximately $99 from many of the world's leading add-in card makers. ?br />

According to Nvidia, the Asia Pacific region will see immediate availability of GeForce 7300 GS-based add-in cards in time for Chinese New Year. Availability in Europe and North America will follow in early February. GeForce 7300 GS-based PCs will also be available from the world's leading system builders starting in early February.