The Quadro FX3000 is based on the same NV35 core that powers the latest GeForce FX 5900 cards, but with a few new additions to cater to the professional market. Compared to the older Quadro FX2000, which was based on the NV30, or GeForce FX5800, the FX3000 has double the memory, at 256MB, as well as a 256-bit memory interface, giving double the theoretical graphics bandwidth, hitting just over 27GB/s. It also supports other features from the NV35, including a 128-bit floating-point precision graphics pipeline, 128-bit colour, 12-bit sub-pixel accuracy, 16x full-scene anti-aliasing, 3D volumetric textures, and of course support for all the latest OpenGL, DirectX and NVIDIA’s own Cg graphics language versions.

Takes the crown as today’s fastest graphics architecture, but you’ll have to pay for it

Hugely powerful for such a reasonable price, it’s far more appealing than a GTX or an Ultra

An interesting concept But performance is determined by drivers and ultimately it smacks of gimmick.

A little over a year has passed since releasing the GeForce 6800, and right on cue, NVIDIA’s new chip is hitting town in the form of the GeForce 7800 GTX.

A wonderful return to form, leaving the disappointment of the 8600 GT as just a distant memory.

Video and almost decent gaming at fantastic prices

A popular and fast top-end option, but it’s losing its grip to new competition from both sides.

Superseded by both Nvidia’s new 9600 card and ATi’s excellent HD 3800 series

It may be affordable, but we’d rather spend a little more to guarantee some genuine gaming ability

A real bargain. If you don’t need to capture video, its gaming performance makes it a great choice.

Silent, powerful and cheap: the ideal card for media centres.

A full $300 less than the flagship 7900 GTX, but still a damn fast card for extreme gaming.

It’s incredibly powerful, but recent releases offer similar performance for significantly less money.

Great performance at an appealing price, although the 9600 GT encroaches on its turf

Affordable and fast, the 8800 GS was our top budget choice until the 9600 GT arrived to spoil the party.

Fast but disappointing card that delivers only small benefits over its predecessors for a significant price premium.

It’s NVIDIA’s flagship, but still trails behind the top ATI cards.

Playable frame rates at 1600 x 1200 and the latest features for under $460. A great-value choice.

A cheap mid-range card but with budget performance.