Nvidia has a launched the anticipated version of its GeForce 8800 GTS graphics chip capable of accessing no more than 320MB of memory. The debut comes just days after the first boards began appearing in retail.

The new chip matches the GPU specs of the 640MB 8800 GTS: 500MHz core clock frequency, 96 unified shaders running at 1.2GHz and memory set to 1.6GHz effective. The fill rate's 26.4bn texels per second, while the memory bandwidth reaches 64GBps.

Nvidia is pitching the part as a more cost-effective entry into DirectX 10 gaming than the 640MB 8800 GTS, which is going to set buyers back around £300/$410. The 320MB version is expected to come in at around £220/$320.