NVIDIA MCP7A Chipset for Intel (expected in April 2008)

[renethx]

It looks like the upcoming NVIDIA MCP7A chipset for Intel (expected in April 2008) is an ambitious chipset family that is an Intel version of MCP78 (GeForce 8200/8300 mGPU/nForce 730a) for AMD and will directly compete with Intel G45.

VR-Zone - Nvidia MCP7A Line-Up; Hybrid SLI For Intel (February 28, 2008)

Nvidia MCP7A is the single-chip Hybrid SLI solution for Intel processors while MCP78 is for Hybrid SLI solution for AMD processors. After the launch of the nForce 790i (C73) chipset at CeBIT, the MCP7A will be next in line slated for launch in Q2. The key features of MCP7A are integrated DX10 capable GPU core supporting SM4.0 and VP 3.0, Hybrid SLI and SLI technology, PCIe 2.0 up to 20 lanes, 12 USB 2.0 ports, 6 SATA II ports, HDMI/DisplayPort support. There are as many as 8 SKUs planned for MCP7A and the most high end are the MCP7A-SLI and MCP7A-GL supporting SLI technology coupled with higher performance iGPU cores.Right now, motherboard makers are having A01 samples which are still buggy and there is a B1-step coming which fix most of the bugs.

- MCP7A-U and MCP7A-S are mainstream chipsets.
- MCP7A-P and MCP7A-O support both DDR2 and DDR3 SDRAM.
- MCP7A-SLI and MCP7A-GL support SLI. That could be an improved replacement of nForce 750i SLI (support for Hybrid SLI and an improved "soughbridge"; truely equivalent to nForce 750a SLI for AMD).

DigTimes - Nvidia to launch MCP7A in April, MCP7C in August (January 8, 2008)

With the MCP73 failing to pose a strong challenge to the Intel 3-series, Nvidia will launch IGP (integrated graphics processing) versions of its MCP7A and MCP7C chipset series for the Intel platform in April and August, respectively, according to sources with motherboard makers.

The sources revealed that the MCP7A to be launched April will have two IGP versions, the MCP7A-U and MCP7A-S, both of which will support Intel 1333MHz FSB, DirectX 10, HDMI, DVI, HDCP, and PureVideo HD.

While the MCP73 only features a single-channel memory controller, the MCP7A will feature a dual-channel controller, the sources said, adding that it also supports Hybrid SLI technology.

Free on board (FOB) prices for motherboards based on the MCP7A-U will be about US$80, while motherboards based on the MCP7A-S will be priced in the US$70-75 range, the sources said.

Nvidia is confident that the MCP7A series will pose a strong challenge to Intel's G45, which is expected to be launched in the second quarter, the sources added.

The MCP7C to be unveiled in August will support Intel 1333MHz FSB and feature a single-channel memory controller supporting a maximum speed of DDR2-800 , the sources said. It will also feature HDMI, DVI, HDCP, PureVideo HD, with motherboards based on the version having FOB prices of US$60-65, the sources added.

Nvidia is also developing a MCP7A-H part that does not have a built-in graphics core. MCP7A-H will support 1333MHz FSB and feature a maximum DDR2-800 single-channel controller, the sources said.

OCWorkBench ? MCP7A to improve on MCP73 specs and performance (July 11, 2007)

NVIDIA released the MCP73 for Intel LGA775 a few months ago. Due to the poor specs of this chipset, the MCP73 is not highly sought after by mainboard manufacturers.

NVIDIA probably knows that MCP73 lacks PureVideo and it's support of Single channel DDR2 is not competitive enough for Intel users to switch to NVIDIA based chipset. Thus, they intend to release an upgraded version of MCP73, which will be known as MCP 7A.

MCP7A has 3 editions MCP7A-U. MCP7A-S and MCP7A-H. MCP7A-H is a discrete without video and it supports FSB1333 dual channel DDR2-800. It will also support PCIe 2.0 and comes with PCIe x16 slot.

MCP7A-U and -S comes with integrated video GF8X00. It is unsure what class of GeForce 8 it will be using. It could be in the range of 8400 performance.

It supports DX10, Purevideo HD, HDMI, Displayport, DVI and VGA out. It supports FSB 1333, Dual channel DDR2, PCie 2.0. Other features include SATA2, GbE, 12 USB ports.

MCP7A is scheduled for Q1 2008.

 

[eplebnista]

Intriguing info!

 

[heyheybooboo]

nVidia MCP 78 chipsets have been delayed since last Fall.

The vicious rumahs on the internets cite heat problems across the northbridge causing a redesign of the heat pipes - or possibly some fanage.

The last 'word' was new release in Jan/Feb - so it's been moved back again

+1 for the AMD/ATI merger. The 780g chipset with SB700 rolls out next week. The battle for the business deskltop gets serious.

AMD has upper hand in next IGP chipset battle with Nvidia, according to motherboard makers

 

[renethx]

This thread is not on MCP78 (GeForce 8200/GeForce 8300/nForce 730a for AMD) ... but MCP78 will be released on March 4th at CeBIT (here). Heat problem applies only to 8300 (9200) because of higher graphics core. If you want to know up to date information on MCP78, please visit the thread I started in AVS Forum:

GeForce 8200 - 8 Channel LPCM Output Fully Supported!!

In my mind GeForce 8200 completely beats AMD 780G.

 

[tomppi]

can hardly wait for the release.. thanks for the info

 

[Cookie Monster]

The MCP7A-SLI sounds nice and could be the better choice compared to the 750i (a multichip jumbo mumbo of a mobo).

 

[taltamir]

how long does it take to make a hybrid power chip for intel. Screw all the other benefits, get that thing out the door already. If there was a working hybrid power intel system I would be buying it exclusively! the price savings on electricty will pay for the whole system, quickly!

Both companies seem to have no idea what they are doing. But nvidia is slightly less lost.

Thanks for the rumors, helps keep me going

 

[renethx]

The upcoming GeForce GTX series cards consume a remarkably low power at idle and video playback (25W and 32W respectively).

http://www.nordichardware.com/news,7836.html

Then a question arises: Do we really need Hybrid Power?