Processors - Page 125

SiS is going to have a new chipset with integrated graphics for the 1,333MHz FSB Core 2 Duo processors from Intel, the SiS 680SCE. The specifications are pretty basic, as this new chipset only supports single channel memory. It will feature SiS' new Mirage 4 graphics engine which is meant to have DX10 support, but with a single channel memory controller, we have to wonder how well this new graphics engine will perform.

The Mirage 4 does support HDMI with HDCP, which might make this an interesting platform for media center type applications. The chipset also supports a x16 PCI Express slot and four x4 PCI Express slots. Additionally it also supports up to three PCI slots, HD audio, SATA RAID, Gigabit Ethernet and up to 10 USB 2.0 ports.

According to the Inquirer, AMD has four new desktop chipsets coming out this year. The top of the range model here being the RD790 which we reported about from Computex last week. As you probably already know, this is the next CrossFire chipset and it supports PCI Express 2.0 which allows for 150 Watts of power per PCI Express slot. This chipset will come out for socket AM2+ and 1207+.

The next version down is the RX780 which is the mainstream version of the RD790, but without CrossFire support. What's missing here is the RD780, which is a cut down version of the RD790 with support for CrossFire but it is limited to x8 bandwidth per card. The Inquirer should double check their roadmaps before missing out a key chipset like this one. So the total is actually five, not four, so if you thought our headline was a type, then we're sorry to dissapoint you.

Next up we have two integrated graphics models, the RS740 which is a DX9 part and the RS780, which is a DX10 part with support for UVD. All the above chipsets will be paired with the current SB600 or the upcoming SB700 depending on AMD getting the new southbridge done on time. Remember the delays of the SB600?

You can read the Inquirers' article here