The world of computer hardware is constantly evolving, with new technologies and innovations emerging every year. As a result, older models are often discontinued to make way for their newer, more powerful counterparts. Nvidia, a leading manufacturer of graphics cards, is no exception. In this article, we will explore the Nvidia graphics cards that have been discontinued over the years, providing a comprehensive list of models that are no longer supported or available for purchase.
Understanding Nvidia’s Graphics Card Lineup
Before we dive into the list of discontinued models, it’s essential to understand Nvidia’s graphics card lineup. Nvidia’s graphics cards are divided into several series, each with its own unique features and performance levels. The main series include:
- GeForce: Nvidia’s flagship series, offering high-performance graphics cards for gaming and professional applications.
- Quadro: Nvidia’s professional series, designed for workstations and applications that require high-end graphics processing.
- Tesla: Nvidia’s datacenter series, designed for artificial intelligence, deep learning, and high-performance computing.
Discontinued Nvidia GeForce Graphics Cards
The GeForce series is Nvidia’s most popular lineup, offering a wide range of graphics cards for gaming and professional applications. Here are some of the discontinued Nvidia GeForce graphics cards:
GeForce 8 Series
The GeForce 8 series was released in 2006 and was a significant improvement over the previous generation. However, these cards are now outdated and have been discontinued. Some of the models in this series include:
- GeForce 8800 GTX
- GeForce 8800 GTS
- GeForce 8600 GTS
- GeForce 8500 GT
GeForce 9 Series
The GeForce 9 series was released in 2008 and offered improved performance and features over the previous generation. However, these cards are now discontinued and no longer supported. Some of the models in this series include:
- GeForce 9800 GTX
- GeForce 9800 GX2
- GeForce 9600 GT
- GeForce 9500 GT
GeForce 100 Series
The GeForce 100 series was released in 2009 and was a significant improvement over the previous generation. However, these cards are now discontinued and no longer supported. Some of the models in this series include:
- GeForce GTX 295
- GeForce GTX 285
- GeForce GTX 275
- GeForce GTX 260
GeForce 200 Series
The GeForce 200 series was released in 2009 and offered improved performance and features over the previous generation. However, these cards are now discontinued and no longer supported. Some of the models in this series include:
- GeForce GTX 295
- GeForce GTX 285
- GeForce GTX 275
- GeForce GTX 260
GeForce 400 Series
The GeForce 400 series was released in 2010 and was a significant improvement over the previous generation. However, these cards are now discontinued and no longer supported. Some of the models in this series include:
- GeForce GTX 480
- GeForce GTX 470
- GeForce GTX 465
- GeForce GTX 460
GeForce 500 Series
The GeForce 500 series was released in 2011 and offered improved performance and features over the previous generation. However, these cards are now discontinued and no longer supported. Some of the models in this series include:
- GeForce GTX 590
- GeForce GTX 580
- GeForce GTX 570
- GeForce GTX 560
GeForce 600 Series
The GeForce 600 series was released in 2012 and was a significant improvement over the previous generation. However, these cards are now discontinued and no longer supported. Some of the models in this series include:
- GeForce GTX 690
- GeForce GTX 680
- GeForce GTX 670
- GeForce GTX 660
GeForce 700 Series
The GeForce 700 series was released in 2013 and offered improved performance and features over the previous generation. However, these cards are now discontinued and no longer supported. Some of the models in this series include:
- GeForce GTX 780 Ti
- GeForce GTX 780
- GeForce GTX 770
- GeForce GTX 760
GeForce 900 Series
The GeForce 900 series was released in 2014 and was a significant improvement over the previous generation. However, these cards are now discontinued and no longer supported. Some of the models in this series include:
- GeForce GTX 980
- GeForce GTX 970
- GeForce GTX 960
- GeForce GTX 950
Discontinued Nvidia Quadro Graphics Cards
The Quadro series is Nvidia’s professional lineup, designed for workstations and applications that require high-end graphics processing. Here are some of the discontinued Nvidia Quadro graphics cards:
Quadro FX Series
The Quadro FX series was released in 2006 and was a significant improvement over the previous generation. However, these cards are now outdated and have been discontinued. Some of the models in this series include:
- Quadro FX 5800
- Quadro FX 5600
- Quadro FX 4600
- Quadro FX 3600
Quadro 2000 Series
The Quadro 2000 series was released in 2009 and offered improved performance and features over the previous generation. However, these cards are now discontinued and no longer supported. Some of the models in this series include:
- Quadro 2000D
- Quadro 2000
- Quadro 1800
- Quadro 1600
Quadro 4000 Series
The Quadro 4000 series was released in 2010 and was a significant improvement over the previous generation. However, these cards are now discontinued and no longer supported. Some of the models in this series include:
- Quadro 4000
- Quadro 3000M
- Quadro 2000M
- Quadro 1000M
Quadro 5000 Series
The Quadro 5000 series was released in 2011 and offered improved performance and features over the previous generation. However, these cards are now discontinued and no longer supported. Some of the models in this series include:
- Quadro 5000
- Quadro 4000M
- Quadro 3000M
- Quadro 2000M
Quadro 6000 Series
The Quadro 6000 series was released in 2012 and was a significant improvement over the previous generation. However, these cards are now discontinued and no longer supported. Some of the models in this series include:
- Quadro 6000
- Quadro 5000M
- Quadro 4000M
- Quadro 3000M
Discontinued Nvidia Tesla Graphics Cards
The Tesla series is Nvidia’s datacenter lineup, designed for artificial intelligence, deep learning, and high-performance computing. Here are some of the discontinued Nvidia Tesla graphics cards:
Tesla 10 Series
The Tesla 10 series was released in 2008 and was a significant improvement over the previous generation. However, these cards are now outdated and have been discontinued. Some of the models in this series include:
- Tesla 10 Series
- Tesla S1070
- Tesla S870
Tesla 20 Series
The Tesla 20 series was released in 2010 and offered improved performance and features over the previous generation. However, these cards are now discontinued and no longer supported. Some of the models in this series include:
- Tesla 20 Series
- Tesla M2090
- Tesla M2070
Tesla K Series
The Tesla K series was released in 2012 and was a significant improvement over the previous generation. However, these cards are now discontinued and no longer supported. Some of the models in this series include:
- Tesla K40
- Tesla K20X
- Tesla K20
Conclusion
In conclusion, Nvidia has discontinued a wide range of graphics cards over the years, including models from the GeForce, Quadro, and Tesla series. While these cards were once state-of-the-art, they are now outdated and no longer supported. If you’re in the market for a new graphics card, it’s essential to choose a model that is currently supported and offers the latest features and performance.
| Series | Models | Release Year | Discontinued |
|---|---|---|---|
| GeForce 8 Series | 8800 GTX, 8800 GTS, 8600 GTS, 8500 GT | 2006 | Yes |
| GeForce 9 Series | 9800 GTX, 9800 GX2, 9600 GT, 9500 GT | 2008 | Yes |
| GeForce 100 Series | GTX 295, GTX 285, GTX 275, GTX 260 | 2009 | Yes |
| Quadro FX Series | FX 5800, FX 5600, FX 4600, FX 3600 | 2006 | Yes |
| Quadro 2000 Series | 2000D, 2000, 1800, 1600 | 2009 | Yes |
| Tesla 10 Series | 10 Series, S1070, S870 | 2008 | Yes |
Note: The table above is not an exhaustive list of all discontinued Nvidia graphics cards, but rather a selection of some of the most notable models.
What is the difference between discontinued and obsolete Nvidia graphics cards?
A discontinued Nvidia graphics card is one that is no longer manufactured or sold by the company, but may still be available for purchase from third-party retailers or online marketplaces. These cards may still receive driver updates and support from Nvidia, although this is not always the case. On the other hand, an obsolete graphics card is one that is not only discontinued but also no longer supported by Nvidia, meaning it will not receive any further driver updates or bug fixes.
It’s essential to note that while a discontinued graphics card may still be functional, it may not be compatible with the latest games or software, and its performance may not be optimal. In contrast, an obsolete graphics card may not be functional at all, or may experience significant performance issues, making it unsuitable for use in modern systems.
How can I determine if my Nvidia graphics card is discontinued?
To determine if your Nvidia graphics card is discontinued, you can visit the Nvidia website and check the product page for your specific model. If the product page is no longer available or indicates that the product is discontinued, it’s likely that the card is no longer manufactured or sold by Nvidia. You can also check online marketplaces such as Amazon or Newegg to see if the card is still available for purchase.
Another way to determine if your graphics card is discontinued is to check the Nvidia driver download page. If the latest drivers are not available for your specific model, or if the drivers are no longer being updated, it may be a sign that the card is discontinued. You can also contact Nvidia support directly to inquire about the status of your graphics card.
What are some popular discontinued Nvidia graphics cards?
Some popular discontinued Nvidia graphics cards include the GeForce GTX 1080, GTX 1070, and GTX 1060, which were all part of the Pascal generation. These cards were highly popular among gamers and were known for their high performance and power efficiency. Other discontinued models include the GeForce GTX 980, GTX 970, and GTX 960, which were part of the Maxwell generation.
More recently, Nvidia has discontinued the GeForce RTX 2080, RTX 2070, and RTX 2060, which were part of the Turing generation. These cards were known for their advanced features such as ray tracing and artificial intelligence-enhanced graphics. While these cards are no longer manufactured or sold by Nvidia, they may still be available for purchase from third-party retailers or online marketplaces.
Can I still purchase a discontinued Nvidia graphics card?
Yes, it is still possible to purchase a discontinued Nvidia graphics card from third-party retailers or online marketplaces. However, be aware that the availability and pricing of these cards may vary depending on the retailer and the condition of the card. You may also be able to find refurbished or used discontinued graphics cards, which can be a more affordable option.
When purchasing a discontinued graphics card, make sure to check the warranty and return policy of the retailer, as well as the condition and authenticity of the card. It’s also essential to ensure that the card is compatible with your system and meets your performance needs. Additionally, be aware that discontinued graphics cards may not receive any further driver updates or support from Nvidia.
What are the implications of using a discontinued Nvidia graphics card?
Using a discontinued Nvidia graphics card can have several implications, including limited driver support and compatibility issues with the latest games and software. Discontinued cards may not receive any further driver updates, which can lead to performance issues and bugs. Additionally, these cards may not be compatible with the latest operating systems or software, which can limit their functionality.
Furthermore, discontinued graphics cards may not be able to take advantage of the latest technologies and features, such as ray tracing or artificial intelligence-enhanced graphics. This can result in lower performance and reduced graphics quality compared to newer cards. However, if you’re using an older system or don’t need the latest features, a discontinued graphics card may still be a viable option.
Can I upgrade a discontinued Nvidia graphics card?
Upgrading a discontinued Nvidia graphics card may be possible, but it depends on the specific model and the system it’s installed in. If the card is still relatively modern and compatible with the latest drivers, you may be able to upgrade to a newer model within the same generation. However, if the card is older or obsolete, it may not be possible to upgrade to a newer model.
Before attempting to upgrade a discontinued graphics card, ensure that the new card is compatible with your system and meets your performance needs. You should also check the power requirements and connectivity options of the new card to ensure they match your system’s specifications. Additionally, be aware that upgrading a graphics card can be a complex process and may require technical expertise.
What are the benefits of purchasing a current-generation Nvidia graphics card?
Purchasing a current-generation Nvidia graphics card offers several benefits, including the latest features and technologies, such as ray tracing and artificial intelligence-enhanced graphics. These cards also receive regular driver updates and support from Nvidia, ensuring optimal performance and compatibility with the latest games and software.
Current-generation graphics cards also offer improved performance and power efficiency compared to older models. They may also be more compatible with the latest operating systems and software, reducing the risk of compatibility issues. Additionally, purchasing a current-generation graphics card can provide a longer lifespan and better resale value compared to a discontinued model.