Nvidia GeForce 7xx0, What is it?

[21stHermit]

Here's an article at Engadget announcing Nvidia's new Intel-compliant integrated graphics chips: GeForce 7050, 7100 and 7150.

I can't quite figure out from the article if these are North Bridge chipsets with integrated graphics or a graphics chip. If they are NB chipsets, then they must have memory controllers, etc. also and this would be Nvidia's first Intel-compliant NB chipset.

Does anyone know?

Thanks
Hermit

 

[ConstipatedVigilante]

I would put my bet on graphics chips, since Nvidia's north bridge chips are the nForce line.

 

[lopri]

They call it "Motherboard GPU". And yes they're motherboard chipsets with built-in GPU.

 

[21stHermit]

Looks like you're both right. This Xbit article clears the air and states the official Nvidia announcement is tomorrow.

Some Highlites:

Three New Nvidia Chipsets Incoming

The most powerful chipset from the family will be branded as Nvidia nForce 630i with GeForce 7050 (MCP73PV) and will support processors with 1333MHz PSB, single-channel DDR2 PC2-6400 (800MHz) memory as well as built-in DirectX 9.0 shader model 3.0 graphics core with DVI, D-Sub and HDMI outputs and HDCP. Other capabilities include support for four Serial ATA-300 ports with RAID capabilities, two Parallel ATA ports, Gigabit Ethernet, a PCI Express x16 and two PCI Express x1 slots for add-in cards as well as 10 USB 2.0 ports.

A little less advanced version will be sold as Nvidia nForce 630i with GeForce 7025 (MCP 73S). It will also feature processors with 1333MHz PSB, single-channel DDR2 PC2-5300 (667MHz) or even PC2-6400 (800MHz) memory as well as built-in DirectX 9.0 shader model 3.0 graphics core with DVI, D-Sub outputs and HDCP. Other capabilities are similar to the higher-end model.

The least advanced offering is projected to be called Nvidia nForce 610i with GeForce 7025 (MCP 73V). ). It will only work with processors featuring 1066MHz PSB, will sport single-channel DDR2 PC2-5300 (667MHz) memory controller as well as built-in DirectX 9.0 shader model 3.0 graphics core with D-Sub output. I/O capabilities of the MCP73V will feature 8 USB 2.0 ports, 10/100Mb Ethernet and simplified RAID support. The novelty will still support a PCI Express x16 and two PCI Express x1 slots for add-in cards.

Those product names are confusing to me, oh well!!!

Hermit

 

[Arkaign]

Awesome! I've been recommending AMD for the people who want cheapie integrated video combos, because the i945g etc suck compared to even the NV6150 + AM2 setup. Now there will finally be an integrated gpu solution for Intel processors that won't be just terrible. Hopefully the 7100/7150 will be dual-channel capable, as it looks the 7050/7025 are single-channel only.

 

[lopri]

Arkaign: Unfortunately it's the other way around - 7025/7050 (AMD) are dual-channel, and 7100/7150 (Intel) are single-channel. I know the performance loss itself won't be a big deal with Core 2 Duo (especially with 4MB L2 ones) but it's a little disappointing because us enthusiasts are so used to dual-channel for a long time. But yeah, finally mATX platforms on Intel side that's worthy of consideration are starting to show up.