Computer Graphics World

6 December 2008 PRODUCT: COMPUTING 3D models and datasets have become too large for the stan- dard desktop workstation to handle. To help combat the prob- lem, Nvidia announced the D Series of Quadro Plex Visual Computing Systems (VCS) available in deskside or rackmount confi gurations. The Quadro Plex systems are well suited for the styling and design, geosciences, and scientifi c visualization industries, particularly when working with extremely large 3D models, data- sets, and power walls. The new Quadro Plex series provides performance improvements of up to 100 percent over previous versions and offers massively parallel processing capabilities using multiple Quadro graphics cards for visualization, large- scale projection and display, or computation with the Nvidia CUDA Parallel Computing Processor. The Nvidia Quadro Plex 2200 D2 VCS, with two Quadro GPUs, four dual-link DVI channels, and 8GB of frame-buffer memory, is designed for advanced visualization of extremely large models and datasets, as well as high-performance computing processes. Its partner, the Quadro Plex 2100 D4 VCS with four GPUs, eight dual-link DVI channels, and a 4GB frame buffer, is optimized for multi-display applications. A Quadro Plex D series VCS can turn workstations and serv- ers into visual supercomputers. Easily connected to a host work- station via a low-power PCI Express adapter card, the Quadro Plex VCS gives workstations the massively parallel processing capabilities of multiple Quadro graphics cards and features an ultra-quiet design, allowing the system to be deployed desk- side. It can also be deployed in a standard 3U, 19-inch rackmount confi guration for maximum visual computational density. The new Quadro Plex 2200 D2 VCS houses two Quadro FX 5800 GPUs, provid- ing 480 CUDA Parallel Computing Processor cores and 8GB of graphics memory. The thermal and power management capabilities of the chas- sis offer up to a 20 percent performance improvement over standard add-in graphics, making it the most powerful visual computing system available. The Quadro Plex 2200 D2 VCS houses up to four Quadro FX 4700 GPUs, power- ing up to four displays via its dual-link DVI outputs, and up to eight displays with its high-resolution projection capabilities. The Quadro Plex D Series VCS is shipping now, with prices starting at $10,750. Dell Reveals Next-Gen Mobile Line PRODUCT: MOBILE WORKSTATION At SIGGRAPH, Dell unveiled a new line of Precision mobile workstations, and then previewed the M6400 and M6400 Covet, with twice the cores and triple the storage capacity of similar products, for professionals in the engineering, media, entertainment, and biosciences industries. The M6400 is a next-generation, 17-inch mobile workstation housed in an anodized aluminum chassis with an edge-to-edge glass RGB LED display. The M6400 supports up to 16GB of RAM, a 1GB graphics card, Intel Core 2 Duo Quad-Core QX9300 Extreme Edition processor, four memory slots, and RAID capability with up to 1TB of storage on two drives. Its starting weight is 8.54 pounds. The Dell Precision M6400, starting at $2599, comes with an anodized aluminum exterior. The M6400 Covet, which sports a vibrant orange chassis, starts at $3859. Both are shipping. Previously unveiled as a 17-inch concept product, the Dell Precision M6400 joins the M4400 and M2400 mobile work- station models, released earlier. The Precision M4400 is a 15.4-inch mobile workstation featuring Intel Extreme Edition processors, Nvidia Quadro FX 770M graphics, up to 8GB of memory, and 7200RPM 320GB storage capacity with free-fall sensor. The system, priced starting at $1569, is designed to support the next-generation Intel mobile Quad Core processor and future Quadro graphics. The M2400 is a 14.1-inch model with Intel Core 2 proces- sors, a Quadro FX 370M card, and up to 8GB of memory. Dell's lightest mobile workstation, it weighs just 4.77 pounds and has a starting price of $1449. Quadro Plex Brings Visual Supercomputing Deskside

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