As for its 3D performance, ATI claims that Radeon Xpress 200 for Intel platform has a performance higher than "the blue competitor", which we can read as Intel 915G chipset. We have to wait until we review it by ourselves to make our own comments on that.

click to enlarge
Figure 2: Radeon Xpress 200 for Intel platform performance.

Conclusions

Competition is very good, and Radeon Xpress 200 for Intel platform is clearly target to compete with Intel's 915G chipset. This new ATI chipset has as an advantage over its Intel competitor to support DDR2-667 memories, while Intel 915G supports only up to DDR2-533. It promises a good 3D performance for an embbeded graphics solution with an affordable price.

Interesting enough Radeon Xpress 200 for Intel platform doesn't bring native networking support, but motherboards based on this chipset can use a third-party controller (from Marvell and Broadcom, for example).

Also, it is very interesting to see that ASUS launched a motherboard based on this new chipset with optional TV tuner function, controlled by a tuner chip from Phillips. This is the first motherboard with integrated TV tuner in the world. It seems a very good product for users who want an "all in one" solution. Take a look at P5RD1-V Deluxe at http://www.asus.com/products4.aspx?l1=3&l2=11&l3=179&model=466&modelmenu=1.

• For more information: http://www.ati.com/products/radeonxpress200Intel/index.html.