NVIDIA announced the immediate availability of new 64-bit software drivers for systems and motherboards based on the NVIDIA nForce(TM)3 media and communications processors (MCPs).

This new beta driver release is the first NVIDIA nForce3 driver package to support the Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP 64-bit Edition for Extended Systems beta operating system, and provides valuable system management support for the Gigabit Ethernet, advanced RAID storage configurations, and hardware-optimized security features that are integrated into the NVIDIA nForce3 MCPs.

Optimized for the AMD64 processor family: the AMD Athlon(TM) 64, AMD Athlon 64 FX, and AMD Opteron(TM) processors, the NVIDIA nForce3 MCPs provides high performance, advanced scalability, and unmatched system stability, addressing the most demanding needs of technical users who are using the next-generation Microsoft 64-bit beta operating system and AMD64 platforms to create next-generation games, developer tools, and applications. "AMD is leading the way to pervasive 64-bit computing and NVIDIA is helping make it possible for developers to take advantage of this technology with the release of these 64-bit drivers," said Marty Seyer, vice president and general manager, AMD's Microprocessor Business Unit. "NVIDIA and AMD share the vision of promoting an immersive cinematic computing experience that wasn't possible with 32-bit memory limitations, and we are one step closer to this reality."

The NVIDIA nForce3 MCPs integrate hardware and software technologies that expand PC desktop, gaming, and digital media functionality. By providing the industry's only high-speed, native Gigabit Ethernet solution, fault tolerant and high performance RAID storage functionality, and integrated security features, the NVIDIA nForce3 MCPs deliver accelerated performance for multiple computing environments, including professional, consumer, and mobile computing platforms.

For more information on NVIDIA nForce3 MCPs, visit www.nvidia.com.