Nvidia GeForce GPUs with Sandy Bridge CPUs Debut in 2011

GeForce GPUs offer features such as Nvidia 3D Vision support for immersive 3D environments and PhysX physics engine support.

PC manufacturers are poised to launch a record 200 new products in the first half of 2011 that feature Nvidia GeForce graphics processing units (GPUs), paired with the new generation of Intel Sandy Bridge central processing units (CPUs). The designs are expected to span a variety of notebook and desktop systems from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) including Acer, Alienware, Asus, Dell, Fujitsu-Siemens, HP, Lenovo, Samsung, Sony, Toshiba and others.

As demand for graphics processing power continues to grow and the need to deliver higher levels of performance not possible with integrated graphics on applications such as games, video editing, web browsing, and 3D movies increases, Nvidia is positioning itself as a supplier of advanced graphics chips. The company said unlike basic graphics integrated into Sandy Bridge CPUs, GeForce GPUs provide advanced features and increased compatibility for the latest PC games including those based on the Microsoft DirectX 11 platform.

David Lee, associate vice president of Acer’s Mobile Computing Business Unit said consumers are increasingly using their notebooks for content consumption and creation, anytime and anywhere. “GeForce graphics with Optimus turbocharge Acer notebooks with excellent performance when you need it, and longer battery life when you don’t,” he said.

Mercury Research forecast that discrete GPU shipments will double between 2009 and 2014. “Demand from OEMs for discrete graphics solutions remains strong and above historic levels,” said Dean McCarron of Mercury Research. “We are projecting healthy growth in the years ahead for discrete GPU solutions for both notebook and desktop. Based on the current attach rate for GPU shipments.”

GeForce GPUs offer features such as Nvidia 3D Vision support for immersive 3D environments, PhysX physics engine support for experiencing games with realistic physics effects, Cuda architecture support for GPU computing applications, Verde notebook drivers for system stability and optimal performance and support for Nvidia 3DTV Play software, for connecting 3D Vision-based notebooks and desktops to a 3D TV.

“With the explosion in digital content and entertainment, it’s no wonder that consumers love GeForce notebooks,” said Jeff Fisher, vice president of the GeForce business unit at NVIDIA. “Our momentum reflects the overwhelming need for a better PC experience.”

David Cole, principal at DFC Intelligence, noted PC gaming is a huge part of the video games industry, with annual software sales of more than $15 billion worldwide. “By 2015 PC gaming software revenue will grow to $22 billion. It’s clearly an important market for both hardware and software companies,” he said.

“Our customers are increasingly asking for enhanced graphics capabilities on their new PCs, which is why GPUs are an essential part of our lineup,” said SY Shian, corporate vice president and general manager of the notebook business unit of AsusTek. “GeForce GPUs with Optimus enable us to serve a broader variety of users who demand faster performance, better gaming support, longer battery life, and delightful features like 3D Vision.”

Source: eWeek