nV1

nV1 refers to a specific generation of NVIDIA graphics processing units (GPUs). This naming convention, while not an official designation by NVIDIA, is often used by the tech community and enthusiasts to categorize GPUs based on their underlying architecture. The nV1 generation typically encompasses cards released around the late 1990s and early 2000s, preceding the widely recognized GeForce branding. These early NVIDIA cards played a significant role in the development of 3D graphics acceleration for personal computers.

The nV1 architecture was characterized by its innovative approach to 2D and 3D graphics processing. These GPUs were among the first to integrate hardware-level support for features like texture mapping and polygon rendering, which were crucial for creating realistic 3D environments in video games and other applications. While advancements in subsequent generations would far surpass nV1's capabilities, it represented a foundational step in GPU technology. The limitations of nV1 compared to later architectures included lower processing power, less sophisticated shading capabilities, and a more primitive approach to handling complex geometry and lighting. Nevertheless, the nV1 series laid the groundwork for the powerful graphics cards that followed.