Nvidia announced when and where it will launch the G80 graphics processor, to be known to the world as GeForces 8800 GTX and GTS. The company will also relaunch its nForce5 chipset for Intel, under the new names 650i SLI (ex-570 Intel Edition) and 680i SLI (ex-590 Intel Edition). Both chipsets feature new NorthBridge chip, which was long overdue.

A GeForce LAN event was held by nVidia to launch its next-gen products over the past two generations - since NV40 (GeForce 6800) debuted in front of 300 gamers. This was followed by a US "GeForce LAN 2" event for the launch of the GF7800 in front of 400 gamers. A European event was held in Paris, said The Inquirer.

This year, the firm's GeForce LAN 3 is set on the 7th and 8th of November in "Bay Area", which means either in San Francisco or in one of the smaller convention centres in the Valley. The launch of the 8800 will happen in front of 600 gamers and a small horde of journalists, industry analysts and partners.

Unsurprisingly, the "Lan Party" is sponsored by Intel Corporation, followed by Antec, Tagan and Thermaltake. You can register for this, but the tickets cost $30 for a two-day event. With that, you can participate in the following:

- Win big prizes from industry partners (both days)
- Surprise contests with big prizes (both days)
- Witness the launch of NVIDIA's next generation Gaming Platform (GPU and MCP together)
- Case mod competition: Best Original Case and Best in Show;
- Special gift for all CLUB SLI members, along with early access to venue;
- Free, custom NVIDIA tee shirts;
- Free pizza and drinks all day, both days;
- Hosted panels and Q&A sessions with NVIDIA and partners.