Nvidia Corp., a leading supplier of graphics technologies, has announced a new graphics processing unit (GPU) for mobile computers. The new chip targets systems designed for gamers that are mostly desktop replacement type of laptops and are hardly tailored for use on the go. Nevertheless, the launch increases the gap between performance offered by ATI and Nvidia in the mobile graphics space.

The GeForce Go 7950 GTX has 24 pixel processors, 8 vertex processors and is clocked at 575MHz, up 75MHz compared to the predecessor, the GeForce Go 7900 GTX. Nvidia recommends to use 512MB of 1400MHz GDDR3 memory with 256-bit along with the new mobile graphics chip, which is another 200MHz improvement over the previous high-end graphics part.

Even though the market of high-performance mobile computers for gamers is relatively small, it is highly profitable and Nvidia enjoys the lead over ATI Technologies here. Currently the fastest mobile graphics chip the Markham, Ontario-based developer can offer is Mobility Radeon X1800 XT, which has 16 pixel processors, 8 vertex processor and 550MHz clock-speed. Technical specs of the GeForce Go 7950 GTX are close to those of pre-overclocked GeForce 7900 GT graphics boards for desktops, which usually either deliver equal performance with desktop Radeon X1800 XT (625MHz core-clock), or outperform the rival tangibly, according to an X-bit labs review.

“2006 is a phenomenal year of growth and technology leadership for Nvidia notebook GPUs. The efficient Nvidia GeForce 7-series GPU architecture continues to deliver the ultimate visual experience in notebooks of every class – from lightweight ultra-portables to HD DVD multimedia machines,” said Jeff Fisher, senior vice president of the GPU business unit at Nvidia.

The GeForce Go 7950 GTX graphics processor is produced using 90nm process technology and has power envelope of 45W. To preserve energy, the chip supports PowerMizer 6.0 technology as well as some other features.

Notebooks featuring the Nvidia GeForce Go 7950 GTX GPU are available for order from notebook suppliers in North America and Europe, including  Dell, Sager, ABS, Falcon Northwest, Hypersonic, ProStar, Voodoo PC, Chiligreen, Cybersystem, Evesham, Multirama, Rock, and XS2.