NVIDIA's New Outstanding Motherboard GPU Coming to Macs?

We certainly hope so since NVIDIA has just extended its family of GeForce 7-Series motherboard graphics processing units (mGPUs) to Intel processor-based computers. Perhaps, the NVIDIA mGPUs will find their way into upcoming updates to the MacBook and Mac mini that are saddled with Intel's rather pedestrian GMA 950 integrated graphics.

"Integrated graphics are no longer 'good enough' for mainstream applications," said Drew Henry, general manager of MCP business at NVIDIA. "We are ecstatic that our customers will now be able to harness the power of NVIDIA graphics and application compatibility and have an exceptional [computing] experience no matter what their price budget or intended application usage is."

According to NVIDIA, the GeForce 7150 mGPU delivers the performance of an entry-level discrete GPU and leading graphics compatibility when compared against traditional integrated graphics solutions. The GeForce 7150, 7100, and 7050 mGPUs are designed to support a full range of Intel CPUs (Core 2 Duo and upcoming 45nm Intel "Penryn") processors and other new features, such as 1333MHz frontside bus technology. The GeForce 7-Series mGPUs also support optional HDMI or DVI digital output capability to enable the playback of protected digital content directly to high-definition televisions and other displays.

"The use of powerful graphics is not limited to just games anymore. Many of today's most popular business and consumer applications, including Adobe Acrobat...and Apple iTunes are optimized for the power of a modern GPU," said Jon Peddie, president of Jon Peddie Research.

A video on the NVIDIA GeForce 7 Series mGPU versus "the competition" (read Intel Integrated Graphics) running Adobe Reader 8, Google Earth, Call of Duty 2 and Sims 2 is available on this NVIDIA Web page (free Flip4Mac WMV Player for QuickTime needed). NVIDIA's GeForce 7 Series mGPU looks outstanding! [Bill Fox]