Earlier today NVIDIA announced that three new series 8 GPUs have been launched. The 8600 GTS, 8600 GT, and 8500 GT will join the existing 8800 models (GTX and GTS) as a way for Windows Vista users to get the most out of their operating system.

Jeff Fisher, senior vice president of the GPU business unit at NVIDIA comments:

“With Windows Vista being the first operating system to require a GPU to fully realise its graphics potential and with the growing list of popular software applications that take advantage of a dedicated graphics processor, GPUs are no longer a luxury required only by hardcore gamers.

These new GPUs extend the reach of our award-winning GeForce 8 Series and offer cutting-edge, next-generation features to everyone from the hardcore gamer to the casual PC user.”

“DirectX 10 means higher performance and better looking PC graphics. We are thrilled to see that NVIDIA has taken the first step to help application developers and end users adopt the newest 3D graphics API, by making DirectX 10-compliant GPUs available from top-to-bottom for every type of desktop PC user,” elaborated Chris Donahue, group manager, games for Windows at Microsoft.

Each of the three new cards incorporate PureVideo HD technology which “leverages the revolutionary second-generation video-processing engine in the GeForce 8500 and GeForce 8600 GPUs to deliver the highest-quality playback of HD DVD and Blu-ray movies on everyday PCs.”

"Sony Pictures is enthusiastic about the ability to play Blu-ray movies on the PC. The new state-of-the-art NVIDIA GeForce 8500 and GeForce 8600 cards will enable consumers to enjoy Blu-ray movies on mainstream PCs,” says Don Eklund, executive vice president, advanced technologies at Sony Pictures.

Graphics cards based on the GeForce 8600 GTS technology are now available at retail outlets nationwide. Cards based on the 8600 GT and 8500 GT will be made available on or before the first of May.