NVIDIA introduced the Next-generation NVIDIA ION graphics processor today, which will supercharge netbooks with 10 times the graphics performance of standard netbooks1 and enable up to 10 hours of battery life2 thanks to NVIDIA Optimus technology. The new ION graphics processing unit (GPU) vastly outperforms basic netbook graphics by delivering rich HD media in games, movies, and Internet-based video. Unlike netbooks with Intel integrated graphics, ION netbooks have the power to play amazing HD video smoothly from sites like YouTube and support popular PC games like World of Warcraft. It also appears that NVIDIA will be coming out with a discrete graphics card with the Next-generation NVIDIA ION graphics processor on it, which is shocking to say the least. Be sure to check out our preview on this new technology here.
While 3D gaming and 1080p HD videos were available when netbooks arrived on the scene, it took products like Nvidia’s Ion graphics to make them viable. With the latest batch of netbooks, Nvidia’s Ion 2 will take the concept further.
Nvidia’s previous Ion chipset was an integrated version because Intel permitted it. This year, the newest “Pinetrail” netbooks have both the processor and integrated graphics in the same package, forcing Nvidia out of the integrated graphics business. But Nvidia found a convincing loophole around this situation, and it involves a discrete graphics chip and a new technology called Optimus.
In a nutshell, Ion 2 takes the form of a discrete graphics chip, and will simply be known as “Ion 2″, instead of a GeForce variant. The chip itself is now 40 percent smaller in physical size than the original Ion chip.
It will ship in two versions: An 8-core chip reserved for 10-inch netbooks, like the newly-minted Acer Aspire One 532g, and a 16-core version, for 11-inch and 12-inch netbooks like the HP Mini 311 and the Lenovo Ideapad S12 (Ion). Both Ion 2 versions will have support for HDMI or DisplayPort technologies, and the vast majority of them will ship with Windows 7 Home Premium, since a better graphics chip can take advantage of Window 7’s Aero interface. In terms of power-usage, the 8-core version has a TDP of 6 Watts, which is comparable to that of the original Ion chipset; the 16-core version has a TDP rating of 13 watts.
A discrete chip is only one half of Ion 2’s appeal. The other half will minimize battery life concerns, given that discrete graphics is typically not very battery-friendly. For this reason, Ion 2 uses a switchable graphics system. Nvidia developed an entire software ecosystem that decides for the user which graphics system is best for a given task. It does this by making the switch between Intel’s own integrated system (the GMA 3150) and Ion 2 automatic and seamless. Profiles are programmed for a range of applications. And depending on the application, Nvidia’s software driver will make the appropriate switch, and this, in turn, can save you tons of battery life.
The Acer Aspire One 532g will be the first Ion 2 netbook, followed by many more, according to Nvidia. Shipping dates and prices have not been announced.
http://www.all1tunes.com
http://www.all1social.com
http://www.all1martpro.com
http://www.all1press.com
Related posts
