Kintergrated video on a k8

[karlreading]

I know a lot about diffrent models of cpu and chipsets etc, but im not 100% tecnicall to there working so if im missing something obviouse, please let me know!!!

this is what i am wondering. AFAIK a intergrated graphics solution, such as NF2's geforce 4 based solution, is part of the chipsets northbridge die. Now a solution like this " robs " memory from the main system memory. this seems quiet straight forward, especially as the northbridge on a traditional chipset contains the system memory controller, and the cpu calls the northbridge to talk to the ram. in this case, as the gpu is in the northbridge, i presssume the gpu talks direct to the ram thats allocated as VRAM direct without going through the cpu.

what struck me is this: on a k8 systems, as we all know, the memory banks are traced direct to the cpu. if the gpu is on a k8 chipsets northbridge and that no longer has the memory controller on it, does a intergrated solution put much more strain on the cpu as that now bridges between the allocated VRAM and the on chipset GPU. does this impact heavily on performance compared to more traditional chipsets with intergrated GPU / shared VRAM. am i missing the point completely?? id be intrested in yuor thaughts!!!!
karlos

 

[Concillian]

Maybe we'll see if there is ever a decent IGP chipset. Currently the best available in the S3 unichrome2, which is like what? GeForce2MX speed?

Regardless, your system memory is still only 64 bit 200 MHz DDR. Pretty much the lowest end memory you can get on a card. You're still going to be severely memory bandwidth limited regardless of how good the memory controller is. One would assume the memory controller on a 64-bit GeForceFX 5200 is pretty well suited to the chip (and I'm pretty sure it's on the chip) but that card still performs pretty horribly when compared to the 128 bit version (which still isn't all that great a card)

 

[mechBgon]

Gigabyte has an SiS760-based board with 64MB of dedicated RAM soldered right to it for its onboard video. From the benchies at OCWorkbench, it looks like the best way to go is to have it use that 64MB exclusively, too, not supplement it with system memory. I think it's about $105.

 

[Concillian]

Took me a while to find the review you were talking about...

http://www.ocworkbench.com/200.../K8S760M/k8s760m-6.htm

I can't tell if the RAM on board is 64 bit or 128 bit... likely it's 64bit though. Seems to perform signifcantly better on local memory, so there is still a significant performance hit with using system memory.

You can see the best they mustered was still under 4200 in 3DMark01SE, which is about the same as the 64 bit AGP cards you can buy like GF FX 5200 or Radeon 9200 SE. NOt bad for an IGP, but if you're using on board memory is it really an IGP?

 

[Peter]

Lesson #1. The word is INTEGRATED.

 

[karlreading]

ok so i made a typo on my threads title. GOD UR SO ANALY RETENTIVE.
was there any point to that last post by PETER. no, not really, it achieved nothing. i really wish people would stop pointing out mistakes!!

 

[DevilsAdvocate]

ATi is getting ready to roll out a new chipset with an integrated 9600XT graphics for both K8 and Intel.