Nvidia Corp. said Thursday that system vendors plan to launch over 200 new personal computers with Intel Corp.'s next-generation Core i processors code-named Sandy Bridge and Nvidia GeForce graphics processors. The firm claims that leading system vendors will use the GeForce and implies that while the integrated graphics core of Sandy Bridge is good, a discrete graphics processing unit is still better.

The designs are expected to span a variety of desktop and notebook systems from leading OEMs including Acer, Alienware, Asustek Computer, Dell, Fujitsu-Siemens, HP, Lenovo, Samsung, Sony, Toshiba and more.

In fact, even over 200 PC designs is not a lot, considering the fact that every day a million of personal computers are sold around the world. But with the announcement Nvidia stresses the importance of standalone graphics processing units (GPUs) in general in the world, where graphics and parallel processing capabilities are migrating under the hood of central processing units (CPUs).

Demand for graphics processing power continues to grow as discrete GPUs deliver higher levels of performance not possible with integrated graphics on applications such as games, video editing, web browsing, stereo-3D movies and other. While Intel Core i "Sandy Bridge" carries relatively high-performance DirectX 10.1 graphics core which delivers "good enough" level of performance, it still cannot deliver features and speed comparable to inexpensive graphics cards.

"Demand from OEMs for discrete graphics solutions remains strong and above historic levels. 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, Mercury Research forecasts that discrete GPU shipments will double between 2009 and 2014," said Dean McCarron of Mercury Research.

Tags: Nvidia, Geforce, Intel, Fermi