Nvidia NV1 - Nvidia's First Graphics Processor - GPU, STG2000X, Diamond Edge

About this Artwork This artwork is a mixed media display featuring the Nvidia NV1.  Introduced in 1995, the NV1 was Nvidia's first chip. The NV1 had a 2D/3D graphics core based upon quadratic texture mapping (as opposed to polygonal), a 32-channel 350 MIPS playback-only sound card, VRAM memory, and a Sega Saturn compatible joypad port. The design goal was to replace 2D graphics cards, Sound Blaster-compatible audio systems, and 15-pin joystick ports. Nvidia was a Fab-less chip designer. They contracted other companies to make their chips. For the NV1, SGS-Thomson Microelectronics was used to make the NV1 under the model name STG2000. The chip was sold on the Diamond Edge 3D card. With a focus on graphic processing chips, Nvidia was founded in 1993 in Silicon Valley. They derived their name from the Latin word for envy, invidia. Nvidia’s line of Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) started with the NV1 in 1995. The NV1 was more than a GPU; it was a multimedia chip. In addition to video capa