So what does the NV36 Reference videocard look like? Is it using the same two-PCI configuration as the NV35 reference card did? Does the core run so hot that a huge fan sounding like a jet airplane is required? These are just a few of the questions we had, though specifics were a little hard to come by on that matter.

Returning to a more compact size, the NV36 reference card occupies a single PCI slot for both itself, and its cooling system.

The reference cooler is manufactured by AVC, but few companies are expected to utilize it on their production models. The reason for this stems from the fact that with control over card manufacturing so tightly validated by nVidia, there remains little room for manufacturers to differentiate themselves other than bundled goodies and cooling systems.

On the rear of the card we find a memory heatsink. If you recall, the last few cores nvidia have released have been covered in a protective metal cap. The NV36 breaks with this packaging method and now appears to use an exposed silicon core.