The Specifications

From what we understand, the Next-Generation NVIDIA ION is a 16-core design fabricated using the 40 nm process. The made the GPU die a very svelte 23x23 mm in size. That is roughly 40% smaller than the original NVIDIA ION which is 35x35 mm in size. Of course, the original NVIDIA ION is more than just a GPU.

The 16-core ION GPU will be used in larger netbooks and desktops, while a cut-down 8-core model will power the smaller 10" netbooks. Yes, the Next-Generation ION will eventually be made into a desktop part for use with HTPCs. The Next-Generation ION will support up to 512 MB of DDR3 graphics memory.

How Fast Is It?

NVIDIA provided these test results, comparing their ION GPUs against the new Intel GMA 3150 (part of the latest Intel Atom processors) and the older Intel 945GSE graphics core (used with the older Atom platform).

Needless to say, the NVIDIA ION processors totally pwned the Intel graphics cores. Even if you allow for some exaggeration in the results, there's no doubt that the ION GPUs are significantly faster than the Intel integrated graphics cores. Intel has never been known for strong 3D graphics performance, and their latest GMA 3150 is proof of that - it is little better than the Intel 945GSE it replaces.

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