MSI introduced a new cost-effective variant of its GeForce GTX 550 Ti graphics card (model: N550GTX-Ti-MD1GD5-V2), which will allow the company to compete in price-points deep within US $150. The card features a similar cooling solution to that of NVIDIA reference design, backed up by a new PCB design. The GPU sticks to NVIDIA-reference clock speeds of 900 MHz (core), 1800 MHz (CUDA cores), and 3.80 GHz (GDDR5 memory effective). The GPU packs 192 CUDA cores, and a 192-bit wide GDDR5 memory interface, holding 1 GB of memory. The new PCB layout also allowed MSI to improve the display output loadout, which includes one each of dual-link DVI, D-Sub, and HDMI (standard-size). The N550GTX-Ti-MD1GD5-V2 from MSI has started shipping to retailers, end-buyers should find it in local stores shortly.

Zalman entered the graphics card business in late 2011, by introducing its first products in the category, all of which are based on AMD Radeon GPUs. At Computex 2012, the Korean PC enthusiast components maker plans to launch its first GeForce graphics cards, along with a few new performance-thru-mainstream Radeon HD 7000 series parts. Among the GeForce parts launched Computex, are an NVIDIA reference design GeForce GTX 670 model, and custom-design GeForce GTX 550 Ti and GeForce GTX 560 Ti graphics cards. These parts appear to be using custom PCB designs, and Zalman's very own Z-Machine GV1000 GPU cooling solutions.

Among the new Radeon HD 7000 series graphics cards slated for Computex, are the already-unveiled VF3000-cooled HD 7950, a VF3000-cooled Radeon HD 7870, a GV1000-cooled Radeon HD 7850, a VF1000-cooled Radeon HD 7770, and a VF900-cooled Radeon HD 7750. All five Radeon parts use custom PCB designs that are colored Zalman's signature shade of blue.

Following the launch of a couple of more GK104-based SKUs, namely GeForce GTX 670 Ti, and GeForce GTX 670, some time in May; NVIDIA will launch its third (after GK104 and GK107) Kepler architecture-based silicon, codenamed GK106. GK106 will make up sub-$200 SKUs, and succeeds the GF116, on which SKUs such as the GeForce GTX 550 Ti, are based. The GK106 will make up at least one known desktop SKU, called GeForce GTX 660.Its specifications are listed below.

Major Japanese OEM Mouse Computer announced a trio of high-end desktop PCs that are built specifically around Intel's SSD 520 solid-state drives, launched a little earlier this week. These include the MDV-ASG8310B-SSD, the MDV-ASG8250B, and the MDV-AGG9320S-SSD. The MDV-ASG8310B-SSD and MDV-ASG8250B are both driven by Intel Core i7-2700K processor, based on Intel Z68 motherboard, with 8 GB (2x 4 GB) memory; while the former features NVIDIA GeForce GTX 550 Ti graphics, the latter has GeForce GTX 560. The MDV-AGG9320S-SSD is driven by six-core Intel Core i7-3930K processor, with 16 GB (4x 4 GB) memory, and GeForce GTX 570 graphics.

All three are built into the same chassis, featuring the same 23-inch full-HD display and peripherals. All three feature Intel's newly-launched SSD 520 solid-state drive with 120 GB capacity, the SSD is configured to hold the OS and program files, while all three further feature a slower 1 TB hard drive that handles documents and storage. DVD-RW, gigabit Ethernet, and Windows 7 Home Premium x64 make for the rest of the commonalities. The MDV-ASG8310B-SSD is priced at 99,750 JPY (US $1,300); the MDV-ASG8250B at 109,830 JPY ($1,432); and the MDV-AGG9320S-SSD at 159,600 JPY ($2,081).

Japanese company Mouse Computer announced two new desktop PC models featuring the latest hardware and Iiyama ProLite X2377HDS-B IPS LED-backlit LCD display. The 23-inch IPS display provides 1920 x 1080 resolution with a response time of 5 ms. The first of the two desktops featuring it is the LM-iS615B-P23S, and the other is LM-i735X-P23S (pictured in this order below).

The LM-iS615B-P23S features a micro-ATX slim-tower measuring 100 x 393 x 364 mm (WxDxH). It is driven by Intel Core i5-2500 processor, with 8 GB dual-channel DDR3-1333 memory. It lacks discrete graphics, and relies on the embedded Intel HD 3000 graphics. Storage is care of a 500 GB 7200 RPM HDD and DVD-RW drive. It is powered by a 300W PSU. Windows 7 Home Premium x64 is the OS of choice.

Here are the first pictures of Galaxy's GeForce GTX 550 Ti Display4 graphics card, designed exclusively for Asian markets. As its name might suggest, it is a GeForce GTX 550 Ti based graphics card designed to support up to four displays. The card uses an IDT VMM 1403 display output logic chip that lets it effectively make use of the total resolution the GPU supports. The redesigned display logic supports a total resolution of 5760 x 1080. Spread across four displays, you get 1440 x 1080 per display, or spread it across three displays to get 1920 x 1080 per display. Apart from four DVI connectors, its output logic makes room for a mini-HDMI connector.

The GeForce GTX 550 Ti is aided by 1 GB of GDDR5 memory across a 192-bit wide memory interface. It is powered by a 3+1 phase VRM controlled by Galaxy's in-house G-Engine chip. The GTX 550 Ti packs 192 CUDA cores, and clock speeds of 950 MHz core, 1900 MHz CUDA cores, and 1025 MHz (4.10 GHz effective) GDDR5 memory. Galaxy also used its in-house "Glaciator" cooler, which makes use of a heat-pipe fed heatsink ventilated by a large central fan. This can can be partially detached to help clean it, and the portion of the heatsink directly underneath it. Galaxy's GTX 550 Ti Display4 is priced at RMB 999 (converts to US $157).

I'm at a loss of words to describe what Point of View's 'point of view' could have been, when coming up with a GeForce GTX 550 Ti based graphics card that packs no less than 4096 MB of memory on-card. The company thinks that adding four times the normal amount of memory that runs at half the speed, DDR3 instead of GDDR5, could somehow spice up the specs sheet. Carrying the product code VGA-550-C1-4096, the card's DDR3 memory runs at 1066 MHz (2133 MHz effective) across a 128-bit wide memory interface, while the GeForce GTX 550 Ti runs at 900 MHz core. Its 192 CUDA cores are clocked at 1800 MHz. Point of view did not give out images of the card yet, but we understand it has one each of DVI, D-Sub, and HDMI as display connectors, takes power from one 6-pin power connector, and uses a custom fan-heatsink. It is priced as low as 113.34 Euros. Below is a generic picture of a Point of View GTX 550 Ti graphics card.

Sparkle has today announced 6 upgraded version models of high-end Calibre graphics cards catering to various needs of different consumers. As Sparkle's "Global Heavyweight Strategic High-End Graphics Card Brand" and by means of remarkable R&D competence and abundant resources, Calibre not only focuses on the ultimate performance of high-end graphics cards, but also sketches out the user experience of top high-end graphics cards for consumers including product/industrial design, packaging design and after-sales service of free 3-year warranty.

With perfection in mind, Sparkle places emphasis on the product design and style of the Calibre brand. The all new Calibre range of products adopts the innovative Mono Luxury technology and introduces ultimate fashion and style with simple grandness. The top front fan cover is made of high quality matt black aluminium which adds a more elegant touch to the cold mechanical look of graphics card. In addition, the design of the back side of the card has also set a rare new record in the industry, the boldly added bottom back panel echoes with top cover design, giving a graceful feel on the whole. More importantly, the bottom back panel creates bigger cooling surface area to improve the heat transfer efficiency significantly. Its solid structure protects PC board from impacts and also prevents graphics cards from board bending which is a problem consumers are most worried about.

ZOTAC International, a leading innovator and the world's largest channel manufacturer of graphics cards, motherboards and mini-PCs, today expands the GeForce Multiview line-up with the addition of the ZOTAC GeForce GTX 550 Ti Multiview. The ZOTAC GeForce GTX 550 Ti Multiview is the latest mainstream graphics card capable of delivering a seamless triple-display computing experience.

"ZOTAC believes multi-monitor computing is the future of desktop computing. Triple displays are the sweet spot where productivity and the gaming experience drastically improves without overwhelming users with too many monitors," said Carsten Berger, marketing director, ZOTAC International. "With our latest ZOTAC GeForce GTX 550 Ti Multiview, we are able to deliver a quality visual experience that combines Microsoft DirectX 11 compatibility, NVIDIA CUDA technology and triple simultaneous displays at a mainstream price point."

NVIDIA today released its first WHQL-signed 270 Series GeForce software suite. The package provides the latest driver software for GeForce discrete, integrated, and notebook GPUs, ION GPUs, GeForce HDMI audio, and the latest stable releases of NVIDIA PhysX, and NVIDIA 3DVision. Version 270.61 WHQL packs official support for the recently released GeForce GTX 590, GTX 550 Ti, GTX 560 Ti, supermassive performance increases (such as 516% in Dragon Age 2 (GTX 580 SLI 2560x1600 8xAA/16xAF Very High, SSAO on)) specific to GeForce 400 and 500 series; and of course, a stable version of NVIDIA's driver auto-update software.

DOWNLOAD: NVIDIA GeForce 270.61 WHQL.

A list of changes follows.

Club 3D B.V. is pleased to be the first to introduce the 2GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 550Ti CoolStream OC Edition. This card supports DirectX 11, CUDA and Nvidia PhysX technologies to provide the best experience on your favorite games with up to 3x the performance of previous generations. With NVIDIA 3D Vision technology you can now use two Gefore GTX 550Ti CoolStream OC Edition cards in NVIDIA SLI configuration to project across three displays with NVIDIA 3D Vision Surround technology.

On April 5, AMD will release its newest Radeon HD 6000 series GPU, which it has been largely secretive about. The new Radeon HD 6790 is designed to compete with NVIDIA's GeForce GTX 550 Ti. The HD 6790 is based on AMD's 40 nm "Barts" GPU (on which are based HD 6850 and HD 6870). The Barts silicon is configured to have 800 stream processors (SPs)...hang on, unlike the 800 SPs on Juniper (HD 5700 series, HD 6770), the 800 SPs (arranged in 10 streaming multiprocessor units) on Barts will be spread across two blocks of 400 SPs each, each block having its own dispatch processor. Also unlike Juniper, Barts LE (HD 6790) will have 32 ROPs, 40 TMUs, and a 256-bit wide GDDR5 memory interface. The core will be clocked at a generous 840 MHz, and 1050 MHz (4.20 GHz effective) memory, churning out 134.5 GB/s memory bandwidth. The GPU is expected to have TDP of under 150W, and will draw power from two 6-pin power connectors.

V3 Gaming, manufacturer of high-end computer systems, has partnered with NVIDIA to offer the Salvo Desktop Computer for $599. The V3 Salvo features the brand new GeForce GTX 550 Ti graphics card and the 2nd Generation Intel Core family of processors. The system itself is geared towards bringing a custom gaming computer experience to a larger audience of gamers.

Thanks to the GeForce GTX 550 Ti graphics card from NVIDIA, the V3 Salvo has plenty of gaming chops. The GTX 550 Ti is a compact yet powerful DirectX 11 GPU that is great for small form factor and budget computer systems. It supports NVIDIA's CUDA, PhysX, and 3D Vision technologies for the most realistic gaming experience possible. The card has 1GB of GDDR5 memory and packs in 192 CUDA cores for efficient gaming performance in the latest game titles.

This just had to happen. NVIDIA wanted GeForce GTX 550 Ti to have higher memory bandwidth, while keeping costs low. So it populated its 192-bit GDDR5 memory interface with mixed density memory modules (that's 4x 1 Gbit, and 2x 2 Gbit) to get 1 GB of standard memory size. Chinese motherboard and graphics card specialist ONDA, which primarily sells in the East Asian markets, decided to populate the 192-bit interface with all 2 Gbit modules. The result is 1536 MB (1.5 GB) of memory.

The ONDA X-Engine GTX 550 Ti has a upper-mainstream look to it, with 1536 MB of memory, a high-performance cooler that uses a large 6-heatpipe heatsink, cooled by two 80 mm case fans, 4+2 phase VRM with POSCAP capacitors, and overclocked speeds of 1000 MHz core, 2000 MHz CUDA cores, and 4.40 GHz memory. To support the increased power demand, the card draws power from two 6-pin power connectors. Display outputs look to include one each of DVI, D-Sub, and HDMI. It isn't very likely that ONDA will sell westwards.

The new ASUS Ultimate GTX550 Ti DirectCU and GTX550 Ti DirectCU TOP continue ASUS graphics card tradition, shipping overclocked power up to 1015 MHz for exceptional gaming performance. ASUS exclusive DirectCU offers the advantages of 20% cooling out of its direct GPU contact, all-copper cooling design, as well as exclusive Super Alloy Power quality components for faster performance and longer lifespan.

Palit Microsystems Ltd, the leading graphics card manufacturer, announces the new GTX gaming series: Palit GTX 550 Ti 1GB and GTX 550 Ti 1GB Sonic. With incredible DX11 performance and the latest technology support, Palit GTX 550 Ti series power up your PC into a next-gen gaming rig.

Continuing the excellent quality and out of the box pre-overclocked speed of Palit Sonic Overclocking Edition, the GTX 550 Ti Sonic provides superior performance with 1000MHz core speed which runs 10% faster than non-OCed version in both DX10 and DX11 performance. Powered by the stunning-fast core speed, Palit GTX 550 Ti Sonic also beating out the competition with ease by offering 35% faster performance at DX11 and 23% higher in DX10 performance. With the fierce performance of Palit GTX 550 Ti Sonic, you can dominate the latest DX11 titles like Crysis 2, H.A.W.X. 2, and Civilization V.

Colorful backed NVIDIA's launch of the GeForce GTX 550 Ti mainstream GPU with its own iGame series non-reference design graphics card, the iGame550-1024 D5 Ymir. The card uses Colorful's non-reference design PCB that uses a 4+1 phase VRM, high-grade components, and dual BIOS that is selectable with a switch on the rear panel. One of the two BIOS ROMs packs failsafe clock speeds of 900/1000 MHz (core/memory), while the other "Turbo" BIOS runs the card at 1000/1100 MHz. The card is cooled by Colorful's iconic "Shark fin" cooler that packs large heatsinks, and some clever air-channeling mojo. The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 550 Ti packs 192 CUDA cores, and connects to 1 GB of memory over a 192-bit wide memory interface. Colorful's iGame550-1024 D5 Ymir is available in Asia immediately, and will reach Europe in the coming weeks.

Point of View known for its range of NVIDIA based 3D Graphics cards, Netbooks and other PC products, announces today its launch of the latest addition to the high performance GeForce 500 series graphics cards: the Point of View GTX 550Ti.

The GeForce GTX550Ti is the answer to all those who seek the best possible card for their money. Excellent stock performance with some OC possibilities, the very best features, low temperatures and of course; a reasonable price tag!

Club 3D B.V. is pleased to announce the introduction of the next generation gaming video card. The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 550Ti CoolStream OC Edition supports DirectX 11, CUDA, and Nvidia PhysX technologies to provide the best experience on your favorite games with up to 3x the performance of previous generations.

With NVIDIA 3D Vision technology you can now use two Gefore GTX 550Ti CoolStream OC Edition cards in NVIDIA SLI configuration to project across three displays with NVIDIA 3D Vision Surround technology.

SPARKLE Computer Co., Ltd., the professional VGA card manufacturer and supplier, today presents The SPARKLE GeForce GTX 550 Ti Graphics Card, -- the latest product of SPARKLE GTX 500 Series. It delivers performance upgrade for mainstream DX11 gamers. Using the advanced Fermi 2.0 architecture from NVIDIA, the SPARKLE GeForce GTX 550 Ti Graphics Card upgrades core algorithms such as texture filtering and Z-axis compression over Fermi 1.0 architecture, so that the corresponding instruction operation efficiency is greatly enhanced. With 40nm manufacturing process improvements, now the SPARKLE GeForce GTX 550 Ti Graphics Card features higher core clock than GeForce GTS 450 graphics cards. With the two improvements, the Performance/Watt ratio of the SPARKLE GeForce GTX 550 Ti Graphics Card is 20% better over the GeForce GTS 450 graphics cards.

NVIDIA today launched its GeForce GTX 550 Ti graphics processor, to capture a key mainstream price point with which it wants to make PC gaming as a whole more attractive. EVGA kicked off its lineup with two models, the base model, which carries the model number 01G-P3-1556-KR, features a "free performance boost", meaning that while it's priced on par with reference design cards, it is slightly overclocked out of the box. The next one is a SuperClocked (SC) variant carrying the model number 01G-P3-1557-KR. Both cards stick to NVIDIA's reference board and cooler designs.

The Free Performance Boost (FPB) variant carries clock speeds of 951/1903/4356 MHz (core/CUDA cores/memory), while the SuperClocked variant packs 981/1962/4514 MHz, against reference speeds of 900/1800/4100 MHz. The DirectX 11 compliant GeForce GTX 550 Ti GPU packs 192 CUDA cores, and 1 GB of GDDR5 memory across a 192-bit wide memory interface. Power is drawn from a single 6-pin PCI-E power input, display outputs include two DVI and one mini-HDMI 1.4a. The EVGA GTX 550 Ti FPB is priced at US $149.99, while the SuperClocked variant goes for US $159.99.

PC gaming just got a lot more fun today with the introduction of the GeForce GTX 550 Ti graphics processing unit (GPU) with an estimated e-tail price of £119. The GTX 550 Ti is the latest in NVIDIA's Fermi line of consumer GPUs, designed to deliver stunning DirectX 11 performance. It brings a new level of price/performance to mainstream PC gaming, while maintaining exceptionally quiet acoustics and requiring minimal power.

Like all NVIDIA "DX11 Done Right" GPUs, the GTX 550 Ti delivers the world's fastest performance in its class for DX11 games. Compared with the closest competitive product, the GTX 550 Ti is up to 50 percent faster in today's newest DX11 tessellated games, and 38 percent fasteri in previous-generation DX9 and DX10 games. And with NVIDIA SLI technology, the industry's most scalable multi-GPU platform, gamers will be able to increase their PC's gaming performance by adding a second GeForce GTX 550 Ti.

ZOTAC International, a leading innovator and the world's largest channel manufacturer of graphics cards, motherboards and mini-PCs, today debuts a pair of new mainstream graphics cards with the ZOTAC GeForce GTX 550 Ti and GTX 550 Ti AMP! Edition. The new ZOTAC GeForce GTX 550 Ti series is designed for maximum performance per watt while delivering an outstanding 3D gaming experience.

Equipped with an ultra-wide 192-bit memory interface paired with lightning-fast GDDR5 memory, the ZOTAC GeForce GTX 550 Ti series delivers 70-percent more memory bandwidth than previous generations for an extra performance kick in the latest Microsoft DirectX 11 enabled games and applications. A large 1GB of video memory ensures the ZOTAC GeForce GTX 550 Ti series does not sacrifice performance for visual quality.

PNY Technologies, Inc. ("PNY") is set to introduce the newest addition to their line-up of NVIDIA GTX 500 series GPUs: the XLR8 GTX 550 Ti 1024MB graphics card. PNY's XLR8 (ac-cel-er-ate) GeForce GTX 550 Ti Enthusiast Edition graphics card allows you to enter the incredibly detailed world of DirectX 11 for all the latest games. Driving up to 6x the gaming performance of previous generation graphics cards, GeForce GTX 550 Ti transforms your PC into a next-gen gaming rig.

PC Gamers trust GeForce GTX to supply them with the graphic ammunition they need to rule their competition. From NVIDIA 3D Vision to Surround multi-monitor gaming, PhysX and the unbeatable power of NVIDIA SLI -- with GeForce GTX you know you are well armed. The new GTX 550 Ti graphics card offers tremendous gaming power at a sub-$150 price point, as well as a Lifetime Warranty.

Just a little later this week, NVIDIA will unveil the GeForce GTX 550 Ti mainstream graphics processor (GPU), successor to GeForce GTS 450. NVIDIA partners seem to be ready with their products based on the new GPU. One of NVIDIA's largest partners, Galaxy, is even ready with a highly overclocked model with its core running at 1 GHz (900 MHz reference), and 1150 MHz (1025 MHz reference) memory speed. Galaxy's card will use the HOF (Hall of Fame) identifier, which is supposed to indicate the company's highest level of factory-overclock speeds.

Based on the 40 nm GF116 silicon, the GeForce GTX 550 Ti packs 192 CUDA cores, and a 192-bit wide GDDR5 memory interface, holding 1 GB of memory, that's right, 1 GB, not 768 MB or 1536 MB. It looks like NVIDIA will be doing a mixed density memory chip setup. We can hypothesize that four of the six chips are 1 Gbit (128 MB), amounting for 512 MB; and two 2 Gbit (256 MB), amounting for the other 512 MB. Galaxy's HOF card will use a 3+1 phase VRM to power the card, and feature a dual-slot cooler. Its display connectivity includes one each of DVI, HDMI, and DisplayPort.