Why would you want to detail in June the performance improvements introduced in a driver that is scheduled for May 24?

Thanks Tom for at least replying to nvidia users concerns here. I, too, was lulled into buying 3 120hz monitors and 2 480′s early as I was lead to believe from your newsletter, received end of April, that the driver release was imminent. However, I am just happy that Nvidia have invested in 3D surround as it has been my dream ever since the Parhelia days. After my initial annoyance I am now more than happy to wait, personally.
Keep up the good work team.

Reading about the technology of spanning across three monitors with two cards, I am left wondering,
In regards to 3dvision surround or NVIDIA surround in general
1. Will the cards scale together in SLI to render the spanned image and then send the info out on the dvi ports, or
2. Will the first card render the spanned resolution and use the second card solely as a display port?
I’m sure NVIDIA wants the spanned resolution to be scaled across multiple cards, so would it be correct in assuming this is where NVIDIA is at a stand still on the driver development, by not being able to scale the spanned image across SLI? but rather only being able to produce the image in surround mode with out SLI support?
3. Why are the drivers segregated from past gpu’s like the 200 series, is it to be expected that NVIDIA will no longer be actively supporting new developments in drivers and game support on older hardware now, or is NVIDIA going to unify the drivers again soon?
4. Not really related but a major pain in the ass, Why has the stuttering problem with fallout 3 with AA not been fixed with recent drivers, as with the last known working drivers 186.18 the stutter is non existent, after numerous bug submissions, and NVIDIA forums threads on the matter NVIDIA still has yet to even acknowledge the problem in their drivers.

don’t forget, you have to buy 20 of theier older offerings x9 to get one gtx480 BAD BUMP or gtx 470 BADBUMP just like the retailers have to BBAADDBUMP!!
So long & thanks for all the badbumps nVidia. OpenGL4? forget it ‘nvidia is just a software company’ Ha! HP dv2xxx,dv6xxx,dv9xxx. BADBUMP
I have an idea, how about we take the ‘Dearest Leader’ CEO, force a die-shrink on him on another unproven process, disable a bunch of brain cells, give him a slightly different name, and call him ‘new & improved’?

What people don’t understand is, NVIDIA had no plan to release 3 monitor tech into their cards.
ATI kept it secret (http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/22/anandtech-goes-behind-the-scenes-of-atis-rv870-evergreen-gpu/) because they did it right. 3 outputs, on all 5 series generation of cards.
Then, NVIDIA backtracked, delayed from various issues (low yields, A1, A2 then finally an A3 release) shows us that there were big issues behind the curtain.
They would’ve needed to add it in, last minute – but because it was an after thought… 2 cards were required, this puts the customer base to single percentage, SLI board owners. 400 series use 250W of power, so you’re also requiring 850W+ to run 3 screens.
A simple 5770 can do this, with a ~400W PSU and any motherboard with PCI-e 16x.
NVIDIA delayed the hardware for 8 months and released it, boxes on the shelf say “3d vision surround”, yet – you cannot do this. This is false advertising. Tom says above that there’s notes to say “when supported”, yet plainly on Palit’s boxes – it says “3d vision surround”.
Because it was an after thought, the delays started with software. ATI’s solution is hardware based, NVIDIA’s is software. Because of this limitation, software has to be coded and ATI only dropped their bomb in October. Fermi was meant to come out in October.
NVIDIA have had nearly 9 months to get a driver/software working – obviously this is why we never saw true game demoes. Yet, on release EyeFinity was actually workable and now it’s near perfect for a lot of games.
NVIDIA will have a refresh in the next few months – the driver will come out before hand, 2 – 3 months later a new card will arrive (Oct/Nov) and be B1 revision, this card will most likely kick ass – hopefully.
Don’t treat your customers like idiots NVIDIA. We (the customers) started your company by buying your hardware… things like this show where the real loyalty lies. PR, websites, etc. Pump out the news, let people want it… delay the card, bring it out and then a main feature (which is a copy of ATI’s) has failed to be delivered, even after NINE MONTHS of waiting……..

I purchased two 480′s and don’t regret it. I knew it was the bleeding edge and there is always a price to pay with that. Every time I have ever built a system with brand new technology there has been a struggle to get things working just right. And many times new features were released months later after the drivers matured. This is not new practice by any company. I’ve had numerous Voodoo, ATI, and NVidia cards and all have had their issues at launch.
Last time I checked the boxes my GTX 480′s came in said “NVidia 3d surround ready” with the keyword being “READY”. That doesn’t mean it’s ready now, just that it will be. I knew this going into it because I’m an adult and I actually research the products I buy instead of just going to NewEgg like a noob and picking out the most expensive products hoping that they will work like magic.
I’m glad that NVidia officially made this post as I’ve experienced company’s saying nothing at all and that is much worse. I have 4×21″ monitors and I certainly plan to use the surround feature when it’s available, but I’m not going to cry about being misinformed or that NVidia advertised features not available. NVidia told everyone that the feature wouldn’t be ready until the 256 release and if you didn’t know that it’s your own fault.
After all, it’s about video cards. If you really are that concerned about it you need help. There are dozens of other products out there you can purchase that will fill any needs you might have professionally. Last time I checked gaming across 3 monitors wasn’t a “need”, it was a “want”. So, return your cards if you are unhappy and go to ATI. Have fun purchasing 3 monitors that use display port or spending an extra $150 on a decent active display-port to DVI adapter. I’m sure you’ll be just as upset with them for “False advertising” when you figure that out.

on #2 You are correct on all fronts. Surround will initially require some user intervention to optimize performance for when users want to game on a single display. Also Surround will only work on homogeneous resolution screens.
on #3 Yes, 5/24 will have the first round of game improvements.

I responded to a different post on the same topic…but so you don;t miss it – we are releasing both 3D Vision Surround and Surround in the same driver at the end of June.

You either work for NV or you hate to lose debates. WTF is your point about user groups? I don’t think any user group is more important than others. And returning cards isn’t the answer either. Not when the hassle or probable fee’s associated with returns turns ones stomach. It’s not worth it at this point and that’s the point I’m making. Nvidia is now trying to keep people from returning their cards by releasing this timely update. Your card doesn’t work now but it will…just wait.
You’re so hooked on the April date for driver release. The point again was that they said drivers would be delivered if not launched around the time of launch. The release date of the cards is irrelevant. They promised functionality near launch w/drivers which was near and around APRIL. You just like to argue moot points. The fact that cards RIGHT NOW still don’t work is a BIG problem. But you’re blind to this issue.
You act like this is just the cost of doing business–no biggy. They’re late so what. Your immune to deception tactics–good 4 u.
My leap of faith was in Nvidia’s promise to consumers that their product BY NOW would work as touted from day freaking one. SIMPLE SH!T man! When something you value falls short in your life, I hope you can adopt the same BS philosophy your trying to gag people with here.
You must also agree with nvidia fake card to media spectacle too. If they didn’t have such a crappy history with fermi, maybe people wouldn’t be so mad. They rushed this–u can’t deny that. They should say what they mean and mean what they say. Not say whatever the hell you need to in order to steal customers–and that’s what they did.
One other thing that adds to confusion about “ready” on their boxes. Like mine, SLI ready is right underneath NV3d surround ready. What is the consumer to think when reading this? If there’s consistency in terms, there will be no confusion. This IS confusion and at worst, deception.
Go on with your fantasy that they did things right and they can do no wrong. There’s a term for this and you fit that bill perfectly.
What they are doing is ethically and morally wrong and that was the premise of my posts, not the intricates of percentages and other little details you propose as relevant.
If I were you, I’d consider buying stock in NVIDIA right now.

The point about user groups is to directly address and refute your claims that your needs and opinions are somehow more important than the overwhelming majority in an attempt to show just how myopic and egocentric your point of view was. I guess it failed. Not surprised in the least given you’re still going on about how Nvidia should’ve changed their entire launch strategy to meet your needs.
If you don’t want to feel like you’re in a position where you’ve been deceived, do more research? Let me ask you, do you take the same approach when buying a car? A house? A kitchen range? If you don’t want to be cheated or deceived, do your due diligence, its really that simple.
I brought up points and timelines to illustrate the fact it was impossible to buy these cards under the impression the feature was ready at launch as nearly every review and Nvidia’s own guidance (further reiterated by Tom Petersen) clearly stated the drivers were NOT ready at launch and would not be until R256.
At that point you could buy with the expectation they would be ready when available, or you could wait. If you bought with the expectation they would be ready, then you obviously expected too much and didn’t do enough research on the topic. If you feel you were deceived, you should pursue refund. Any shipping fee or restocking fee can just be chalked up to a lesson learned, caveat emptor and the fear of buyer’s remorse applied to any future purchases, but again, if you argue nearly as vociferously as you have here about false advertising, they’ll probably waive the restocking fee just to get you off the line.
As for your comments about working for Nvidia and hating to lose an argument, over time I’ve found one of the best signs you’ve won the argument is when the accusations of employment or ad hominem attacks start up, as you’ve demonstrated here.

@ PK,
Its obvious you do think your needs outweigh those of others, thankfully Nvidia does not feel the same way. How can I excuse any level of deception when I was never deceived to begin with? They very clearly stated the feature was not ready. If this feature was the most important feature to any individual, don’t you think it would fall on the buyer to make sure the feature was ready on the cards before they bought them? Its just amazing to me that you’re trying to claim deceit when any misunderstanding is a result of your own lack of research on the matter prior to buying.

you know, you don’t read anything. That comment is totally opinion based on zero fact. My needs are NO different than anyone else’s. WE ARE ALL in the same boat with the driver issue. Your the only one with no understanding what people are concerned about because you are so happy Tom replied to you….right? You like to throw stones? Does it make you feel good?
There’s a problem here. It’s not mine, it is everyone’s problem who cant do what their cards were designed to “BY NOW”. I did more research that you I suspect because I seem to know what isn’t here via promises and what is. You’re a nasty person if you keep thinking you can babble your way into intelligent debates with your blind support for NV.

I’ve watched you try and clutter this blog with BS Chizow. You seem to think NVIDIA is right all the time. PK is showing what appears to factual. You, you seem to have an agenda because I watched u excuse everything that NV has done (some being shady) and putting all the burden on the customer. You might as well call us stupid which I think you really are by targeting a guy who is calling you on things.
I’m happy with my card but unhappy its hampered by drivers that from everything I read should be working now.
Give yourself a break already.

THanks for that information.
I’m sick of being accused of not reading before making my purchases. Nvidia is being sneaky.

Do more research next time. They said they weren’t ready. Return your card if you don’t like it.
This is sarcasm–it’s been a common dialogue of a few people here who thinks its your fault you have something that doesn’t operate correctly.
I agree with your post wholeheartedly.

Beautiful. Maybe the listened to us.

@PK and anyone asking about where I’m getting my data,
Again, as I said in one of my earlier posts its hard to empathize with anyone who claims they purchased something solely for a specific feature but failed to make sure said product was able to meet their expectations prior to buying. This is a clear case of buyer’s remorse as a result of user error or neglecting due diligence.
Here is the timeline with the facts and supporting links where applicable:
Jan 7th – CES shows demos of Nvidia Surround on GT200 hardware, expected to be released at a future date. http://www.anandtech.com/show/2916/3
Jan 17th-18th – GF100 tech previews that further detail 3D Vision Surround. http://www.anandtech.com/show/2918/7
March 2nd-6th – CeBit shows more demos of Nvidia 3D Vision Surround on both GT200 and GF100 hardware, expected to be released at a future date. http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/05/nvidia-3d-vision-surround-eyes-on-triple-the-fun/
Prior to launch, you will not find any official guidance on when the feature and drivers were launched because Nvidia simply did not make any such promises. The *expectation* from outside observers is that they would launch with GTX 400 series, and as Tom Petersen states in this blog, that was their initial goal but that schedule obviously slipped. So instead of holding up the launch for a value-add feature, they went ahead and launched the card with the promise the drivers would follow when ready. I don’t see how anyone can fault the logic of their decision here, the alternative being delay the launch of the cards even longer?
March 26th – Pax East and NDA launch reviews. Clearly stated that the feature and drivers are NOT ready. 3D Vision Surround page updated to state the feature is “Scheduled for April”. This is the first mention of any time frame and clearly AFTER the official launch.
http://www.anandtech.com/show/2977/nvidia-s-geforce-gtx-480-and-gtx-470-6-months-late-was-it-worth-the-wait-/4
http://www.evga.com/forums/tm.aspx?m=266860
This time period of nearly 2 weeks between the simultaneous launch announcement the 256 drivers were not ready on March 26th and were “Scheduled for April” is significant because it would have been IMPOSSIBLE for you to buy the cards with the expectation 3D Vision Surround is ready out-of-the-box if you had simply done some research on the topic. I would certainly expect anyone who claims this was the sole feature and reason they bought the cards to have clearly understood the feature was not ready and any release date would certainly be tentative in nature.
April 7th – First GTX 470/480 cards available in the US at Newegg.
April 30th – Still no 256 drivers, so obviously “Scheduled for April” slipped to at least May.
May 1st – Obviously the feature didn’t make April….3DVS page changed to “Summer 2010″.
May 14th – This blog post clearly defining launch dates with admissions from Nvidia’s Tom Petersen that they are late on the driver because it simply wasn’t ready. Sounds like an honest enough mea culpa and certainly
So there it is, I’m not saying you don’t have a right to be disappointed, I’m just saying all this rhetoric and angst about deceit, lies, false advertising etc. is clearly unfounded and really the result of a lack of research on the part of the buyer.
Nvidia was late on their driver, they admitted to it, but as a consumer it is YOUR responsibility to do the necessary research into whether a product suits YOUR needs. If you find that’s not the case, you have the right to return the cards etc. etc. and pursue refund.

Yep, also confirmed 3D Vision Surround is working in those drivers, but still buggy in some games. Sounds like the driver delay was needed and will be well spent working out the remaining bugs. If you can’t wait for official release go for it, just don’t complain about bugs…..
http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1520653

you really have your head in the water. It’s the portion that made customer buy. April release. What the hell do you prove by rehashing a time line that says what we know. That April time frame is why I purchased the card. Not June, not May….April. They knew what they were doing when they predicted that April date.
What’s wrong with you?

You may have purchased the cards for the feature, I surely did not, what’s wrong with YOU and why are you assuming its the feature that made people buy when it requires 2xGPUs, 3xmonitors and a 3D kit?
Again, if this feature is what made you buy, maybe you should’ve *WAITED* to buy either the cards or the additional monitors until *AFTER* the feature was released with the drivers. Instead of buying first, realizing you should’ve did a bit of reading first, and then crying about it.
Just a suggestion.

Yes well-formulated arguments and informed opinions are typically accompanied with solid research, facts, data, references, statistics, evidence, links etc, if anything they’ve brought clarity to an issue you’ve tried to cloud with your own expectations and misunderstandings. Maybe if you take a bit more care in the future before buying you can minimize the risk of being deceived?
I’ve never said the customer is completely at fault, especially given Nvidia has admitted their own fault, I simply pointed out the obvious that some of the burden lies with the customer to make sure they get what they think they’re getting. This goes for anything, but especially high-end, high-priced, bleeding-edge technology like graphics cards and consumer electronics.

I’m willing to bet this discussion sparked a leak.

SLI ready means what then. My box says SLI ready. How do I read that?

Again, no where have I claimed Nvidia is not at fault, they’ve admitted their fault by issuing this blog and further in comments directly from Tom Petersen acknowledging their shortcomings. Also, no where have I claimed the customer does not have the right to be disappointed about statements and promises made, but certainly you would agree Nvidia can’t be held to expectations or statements they never made right?
My factual replies and links were in response to a few individuals claiming *I* was making up BS along with persistent claims Nvidia was somehow deceptive or lying in comments they previously made about the feature. Again, clearly this is not the case as a simple evidentiary quote or link from Nvidia stating “The feature will be ready when you buy this card” would have shut this down long ago. Except no such link will be found because no such comment was made.
And nothing I’ve written here is personal, unlike comments made by others, if anything they’re personal only in that someone might benefit from this learning experience in the future and know better than to let themselves fall into a similar position of feeling deceived.

Can’t believe I missed all this. I read every post and despite all the arguments that give Nvidia credit (few, very few), I’m thinking (and I don’t use SLI or any feature sets), Nvidia is a calculating group of selfish money makers. Chiz man, you should litigate for Nvidia because in your mind, the consumers are the idiots for setting higher expectations from a company that portrays themselves as innovators. A company makes bold promises with a time-line that regardless of what you can ever say was used to help consumers decide on what to buy. Even if it’s less than 5% that use a particular function. It DOESN’T MATTER. Every consumer here that feels betrayed is right to feel that way. And though you may think there’s no grounds for a law suit, the fact that people talk suits should be listened to because that usually comes from the broken heart of a customer. No company can afford to have a lot of hurt customers, no company. It comes back to haunt them, one way or another.
So, with all you fact finding stunts, the only fact I’ve seen you beat to death is your opinion about research and this time-line. I read that April encompassed a couple of things. A launch and a driver release. Doesn’t matter which comes first because the mindset of those who considered this product for purchase were looking to Nvidia to come through with the hardware by MAY. Now it looks like we won’t see anything until July. (end of June is like pricing something at $1.99 to make it look better).
Take a look at the leaked beta and check out the dates. Interesting at best.
Seems like 2 alpha males/females found their way into a site with two distinctly different theories on this blog. Always makes for good popcorn fun. However, when you’re wrong, and Chiz, your all about NV, not the customer, YOU ARE WRONG. The customer is always right. People are angry, hurt, and upset. Serious feeling shouldn’t be dismissed based on a bombardment of garbage you can produce from the internet that from what I have seen, reaffirms the problem with the driver release. And that’s the premise of customers difficulties.
Using these features or not, nvidia could have taken a more honest route with this launch. However, all they’ve done is appeal to the hardcore nvidia owner that will thanks them for breadcrumbs.
You don’t like to lose but you are the minority here. Even if you were right, it probably was best not to piss on customers that felt wronged. That’s a shitty thing to do.
Like I said, glad I found this because I plan to link it to support one or the other sides of this coin. Take a guess which side I support.
Later all!!!