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Well what do you know... While we were expecting the famous 9600 GT GPU sometimes in February, it seems that Nvidia is already exhibiting a "lower-class" relative, in the form of the 9600GS chip.

At Asus' booth from CES, some inquisitive guys from HotHardware.com got the chance to button a laptop that had the aforementioned GPU inside (you can see the picture here). The Asus G1Sn was apparently running Windows Vista 's Aero interface using the unannounced mobile chip (code-named G84), and, according to those who spotted it, "[was] coupled to 512MB of frame buffer memory".

While this is definitely NOT a high-end GPU (the "GS" suffix betrays its "low-end" or "mainstream" belonging), it's surprising the fact that it exists. Usually, the Sunnyvale, CA-based giant unveils its "big guns" first (like the 8800GTX) because they're more profitable, and only afterwards lets the "cavalry" march (the GT or GS models).

This means only one thing fellaz: we're getting the 9800GTX soon! It's certainly there, it's real, but... they're just not showing it because they're mean...

Until that moment comes however, we can indulge our eyes with some pretty real sweetness coming from the troubled AMD.

The dual-GPU, CrossFire-enabled ATI Radeon HD 3870 X2 was also on the loose at CES, and according to HotHardware.com it packs "two R670 GPUs on single PCB coupled together via a PCI Express fanout switch from PLX." You can see the wonder in all its splendor here. Details about performance or internal configuration are not yet available (due to those pesky Non-Disclosure Agreements) but we're assured that the power consumption is below a 2900 XT video card and the performance is at least equal (if not better) compared to a "classic" CrossFire with two Radeon HD 3870.

Hm, now what did you say you spent your Christmas money on?...