Nvidia Corp., the world’s top supplier of discrete graphics processors, unveiled its new lineup of graphics processing units (GPUs) at Computex Taipei 2008. The new GeForce 9-series supports such features as Hybrid SLI as well as some clock-speed improvements over GeForce 8M-series. Still, the new lineup seems to be based on previous-generation technology and does not provide feature or performance breakthroughs.

Nvidia GeForce 9M family of graphics chips for notebooks currently includes nine members aimed at various market segments, from low-end integrated to entry-level and mainstream discrete. The new chips feature improved high-definition PureVideo engine functionality thanks to new drivers as well as the new MXM version 3.0 graphics module specification. In addition, thanks to Hybrid SLI technology, the new GPUs can work in tandem with built-in GeForce 9M graphics cores to boost video game performance or disable themselves to reduce power consumption.

The mainstream – GeForce 9650M GS, GeForce 9600M GT, 9600M GS and 9500M GS – seem to be based on Nvidia code-named G84 graphics processor or its derivative with 32 unified shader processors and should offer slightly higher performance compared to GeForce 8600M and 8700M offerings due to higher clock-speeds. The models that address the entry level market of notebook standalone GPUs – GeForce 9500M G, 9300M GS and 9300M G – seem to be based on Nvidia code-named G86 chip or its younger brother with 16 unified shader processors. Nvidia GeForce 9200M GS and 9100M G are integrated graphics cores with 8 unified shader processors. Nvidia remained tight-lipped over specs of the vast majority of its new offerings.

“Beginning this summer, GeForce 9M GPUs and Hybrid SLI, paired with AMD and Intel CPUs, will enable a new breed of notebooks. These new notebooks will be optimized to deliver a visual experience and raw computing performance that traditional cookie-cutter notebooks with integrated graphics simply can’t touch,” said Jeff Fisher, senior vice president of the GPU business at Nvidia.

According to Nvidia, the new GeForce 9M GPUs will power the visual computing experience in over a hundred notebook models beginning this summer.