In a bid to popularize its mobile graphics processing units as well as catalyze interest towards high-performance graphics adapters on notebooks, Nvidia Corp. and some of its partners have unveiled technology that lets end-users to dynamically switch between integrated graphics core and discrete graphics core on Intel Centrino 2-based laptops.

“Engineering hybrid graphics was a significant effort between all involved, but the end result was worth it. Now consumers can experience a new breed of laptops that eliminates the compromise between battery life and visual computing performance,” said Rene Haas, general manager of the notebook business at Nvidia.

The new technology that Nvidia jointly rolls out with BenQ, Fujitsu Siemens and Sony works in a similar way to Nvidia Hybrid Power that is available on Nvidia GeForce + nForce platforms. The HybridPower allows end-user to switch off discrete graphics core and use only integrated graphics engine when high performance is not needed and turn the discrete graphics processing unit (GPU) on to boost graphics performance when it is required.

All Nvidia GeForce 9M Series GPUs support the hybrid graphics feature, but the notebook must be designed to support the technology. The hybrid graphics feature is currently available in the following new notebook models:

• Sony Vaio Z series ultra-light laptops with GeForce 9300M GS GPUs
• Fujitsu Siemens Amilo XI 3650 entertainment laptops with GeForce 9600M GT GPUs
• BenQ Joybook S42 ultra-light laptops with GeForce 9600M GT GPUs

Tags: Nvidia, Geforce, Centrino 2, Intel, Hybrid Graphics