VIA last week began shipping a Pro version of its low-end P4M800 chipset aimed at Intel processors. The main upgrade is support for DDR2-533 memory. Integrated UniChrome Pro graphics is clocked at 200 MHz and uses 128-bit interface – users can upgrade to a video card through an AGP 8x slot. The VT8237R south bridge provides up to two ATA-133 ports, two Serial ATA ports, eight USB 2.0 ports, six or eight-channel audio,and Ethernet 10/100.
Tom’s Hardware Guide reports that Intel is readying a new chipset supporting Nvidia’s SLI technology. The i975X is an upgrade from the high-end i955X with dual PCI Express x8 capability. Expected to launch in early 2006, it should be cheaper than Nvidia’s own nForce SLI x16, which enables two PCI-E slots at full x16. Even more interesting is the rumor that the chipset might also support ATI’s CrossFire, albeit official compatibility could be prevented by licensing issues.
SiS has signed a licensing contract with Intel for the manufacture and sale of chipsets supporting Pentium M processors with 533 MHz FSB. The agreement will likely result in cheaper options for notebook makers. SiS’ list of Pentium M chipsets include two discrete products (SiS656MX and SiS649MX) and three integrated parts (SiSM661MX, SiSM662MX, SiSM670MX).
VIA this week announced the VN800 chipset, which integrates UniChrome Pro graphics, compatible with both the company’s own C7-M and Intel’s Pentium M processors through Flexi-Bus Technology. It also offers support to DDR2-533 memory and sports an AGP 8x slot for an external VGA card. VIA claims that, when paired, the C7-M and the VN800 can cut power consumption by up to 50%. The VT8237A south bridge provides Serial ATA, Vynil Audio, Gigabit Ethernet, USB 2.0, FireWire and WLAN connectivity.
Intel has denied reports that it is abandoning the low-end chipset market. The company admitted plans to move part of its production capacity from cheap products like the i915PL, i915GL and i910GL to mobile and high-performance offers, but called it a temporary move. Such a change, expected to happen as soon as late this month, would give an additional boost to companies like SiS and VIA.
EPoX high-end motherboards now have a new version of its hardware diagnostic software. The Thunder Probe interface allows users to monitor and record voltage, temperature and speed of a variety of components. It also gives an automatic reading of any hardware where the Thermo Stick, another feature on high-end boards, is put. The software is coupled with the power-saving regulator Smart Fan and is available in selected nForce4, i915, i925 and i945 products.
ECS has announced its first motherboard based on Intel’s i945P chipset aimed at the upcoming dual-core Pentium D. The PF5 (1.0) also allows the use of multiple graphics cards in a fashion similar to nForce4 SLI-based products. Like the i955, the i945P supports 1066 MHz FSB, Serial ATA II and 8-channel HD audio, among other features.
Tyan has introduced its Thunder K8SE, a two-way Opteron-based server mobo, supporting 200 series processors including dual-core ones expected to ship this quarter. It is based on the nForce Pro 2200 chipset, which provides twin PCI Express slots (one x16 and one x4), three PCI-X slots through AMD 8130 chipset, dual Gigabit Ethernet (Broadcom BCM5704C) and Ethernet 10/100 (Intel 82551QM), four Serial ATA II ports and four USB 2.0 ports. The E-ATX board supports up to 16 GB of DDR400 registered ECC memory and has a Rage XL PCI graphics controller with 8 MB of video RAM.
Users interested in deploying Pentium M processors in desktops now have another option besides special motherboards from companies such as AOpen and DFI. ASUS has launched the CT-479, a socket 479 to 478 adaptor, priced at USD 50. It is current compatible with three motherboards: P4P800 SE, P4P800-VM and P4C800-E Deluxe. Users should not try to use it with other boards – from ASUS or other companies.
ABIT has announced a new version of its OTES cooling technology that promises to reduce sound level to zero. Q-OTES uses the company’s heatpipe technology to transfer heat from the north bridge to the fins of the Collection Module. From there, heat is exhausted outside of the case by air flowing from the CPU fan. The north bridge comes in contact with a high-grade aluminum heatsink with an all-copper base, which is fastened with screws to ensure maximum contact for heat transfer. The first motherboards featuring Q-OTES technology will be announced in May.
ASUS has officially launched its P5WD2 Premium motherboard, based on the i955X chipset, aimed at socket 775 dual-core Pentium processors. The board supports 1066 MHz FSB, PCI Express, Serial ATA II, dual-channel DDR2, Intel Matrix Storage RAID and 8-channel high-definition audio. The optional bundle includes a WiFi-TV PCI card.
ATI has released a new version of its Radeon Xpress 200M aimed at Intel-based notebooks. Featuring on-board DirectX 9 graphics, the chipset supports DDR2-667 memory and offers power management tools through Powerplay 5.0, including a new function called Dynamic Lane Count Switching (DLCS), which can reduce GPU power consumption by up to 30%, according to the company. NEC, ASUS, Quanta, Compal, Wistron, Mitac and LG are among vendors which will sell systems based on the Radeon Xpress 200M.
Gigabyte has announced its first i955X-based motherboard aimed at socket 775 dual-core Pentium processors. The GA-8I955X Royal has all the features offered by the new Intel chipset such as 1066 MHz FSB, PCI Express, Serial ATA II, dual-channel DDR2, Intel Matrix Storage and 8-channel high-definition audio. The Gigabyte board is also said to support memory speeds of up to 888 MHz and comes with a GN-BDT02 Bluetooth USB adapter. The complete specifications are:
Gigabyte has also released a motherboard based on the i915PL chipset, a low-end member of the i915 series, supporting only DDR memory. The other features are identical to those of the i915P model, including 800 MHz FSB, PCI Express interface and 8-channel on-board audio. The GA-8I915PL-G sports overclocking tools such as CPU Intelligent Accelerator 2 (CIA 2) and Memory Intelligent Booster 2 (MIB 2). The package includes the Norton Security 2005 suite. The complete specifications are:
ULi has unveiled its M1695 chipset supporting socket 754, 939 and 940 Athlon 64 processors. The highlight is what the company calls Triple Graphics Interface (TGi) or simply simultaneous PCI Express x16, AGP 8x (provided by the M1567 south bridge) and PCI graphics interfaces. The PCI-E x16 can be divided into two PCI-E x8 lanes to support multiple VGA cards.
