After first pulling the wraps off of its desktop PC destined graphics processing units (GPUs), which are based on its next-generation Kepler graphics architecture, Nvidia now turns its attention to the ultrabook and gaming notebook arena.

Nvidia has brought the 28-nanometer Kepler graphics architecture to its top of the GeForce notebook GPU lineup, with the launch of its GeForce GTX 680M. The GPU and mobile CPU maker calls the GeForce GTX 680M the fastest, most advanced gaming notebook GPU ever built.

Besides an engine clock of 720 MHz, 1344 CUDA cores as well as a 256-bit memory bus powering up to 4 GB of GDDR5 RAM, the notebook GPU also features Nvidia PhysX support for accelerated in-game physics and adaptive V-sync technology to enable a smoother gameplay experience.

According to the company, the GeForce GTX 680M managed to outperform its closest rival, AMD’s Radeon 7970M during benchmarking tests. The 680M scored notably higher frame rates during gaming at the highest settings, whilst this card also scored 25063 in 3Dmark Vantage P with PhysX enabled, with the AMD Radeon 7970M delivering a score of 20590.

Also onboard the GTX 680M is Nvidia’s Optimus technology, which assist notebooks in boosting battery life since this technology ensures that the GPU is only switched on when it is required for gaming or other graphically demanding tasks.

“The GeForce GTX 680M is the fastest mobile GPU ever, but it’s more than just a speed king,” explained Rene Haas, vice president and general manager of the notebook business unit at Nvidia. “It also offers an entire arsenal of next-gen gaming technology, along with Optimus technology for extended battery life.”

Nvidia stated that the GeForce GTX 680M GPU is available in the States in the MSI GT70 notebooks and will be available before the end of the month within Alienware’s M17x and M18x gaming notebooks in single or SLI configurations.

In related news, Nvidia also recently announced a new platform, called Kai, for low cost quad-core mobile devices, in order to ‘democratize’ the Tegra 3 system-on-chip.