NVIDIA Geforce graphics cards with Volta architecture will debut in the 3rd quarter of 2017

NVIDIA has seemingly accelerated plans for the next generation of graphics cards based on the Volta architecture, and now the company plans to launch the first units in the third quarter of 2017.

Although until now it was thought that Nvidia was going to take out more GPUs based on the Pascal architecture before adopting the Volta chips, it seems that the company has changed plans and will launch a completely new range of graphics cards later this year.

Nvidia to launch GeForce Volta GPUs this year to compete with AMD Radeon RX Vega

The GeForce GTX 10 series of cards debuted with the GeForce GTX 1080 and GeForce GTX 1070 models about a year ago, so the launch of Volta-based GPUs later this year would mark a span of about 18 months. This is not unusual in Nvidia's release schedule, but the company tends to make small updates to its graphics range before releasing new generations of GPUs.

The current range of cards with Pascal architecture is supposed to end with the early arrival of the low-cost GeForce GTX 1030 model. Then, the company will have free rein to take care of the next generation of graphics cards, known for now as GeForce GTX 11 Series or GeForce GTX 20 Series.

Poor market conditions apparently would be the main reason NVIDIA decided to accelerate its plans, since low sales, combined with the threat of future AMD Radeon RX Vega cards, leave them with no choice but to offer card users more powerful and potentially more affordable.

If these reports are true, the new range of NVIDIA GeForce Volta cards will likely have a release schedule similar to previous generations. This year will probably be reserved for the GeForce GTX 2080 and GeForce GTX 2070 models, while the lower units and Ti versions would arrive throughout 2018.