SN45G has only an MCP-T? Why not MCP2-T? How inferior is it?

CZroe

Lifer
Jun 24, 2001
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Dual MAC, USB2, etc

The Shuttle SN45G seems to be the only decent solution for my HTPC. I need SoundStorm in a modern and small PC and there aren't any alternatives.

So why does all the documentation and all websites say it has an MCP-T and not an MCP2-t?
For instance, start here
After that, go here. Shuttle seems to confirm it.

How inferior was the MCP-T? I know it was only USB1.1 and didn't have dual LAN but did have an nVidia MAC. So why does Shuttle's offering say USB2.0? Why not simply use the newer chip and avoid including a PCI USB2.0 controller? Especially in a highly-integrated miniature form-factor motherboard with not much PCB real estate for add-on devices. Does the MCP2-T also support additional USB ports beyond what the MCP-T supported? Why is Shuttle's board using a Realtek LAN chip if there is at least an nVidia MAC on-board?
 

DAPUNISHER

Super Moderator CPU Forum Mod and Elite Member
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The nF2 400ultra chipset with MCP-T used in the SN45G is fully Soundstorm certified, fully 400fsb and ram certified, and not only supports USB2.0 and IEEE1394, but has the ports for them as well as seperate ports for all audio functions, as per Soundstorm cert. requirements.
 

CZroe

Lifer
Jun 24, 2001
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Originally posted by: DAPUNISHER
The nF2 400ultra chipset with MCP-T used in the SN45G is fully Soundstorm certified, fully 400fsb and ram certified, and not only supports USB2.0 and IEEE1394, but has the ports for them as well as seperate ports for all audio functions, as per Soundstorm cert. requirements.

Then it must be an MCP2-T, right? That still begs the question: Why go with Realtek LAN and ignore both the nVidia and the 3COM MAC? Shuttle is confusing :confused:
 

DAPUNISHER

Super Moderator CPU Forum Mod and Elite Member
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More cost effective for them to use the realtek, it enhances their profit margin ;) I believe 2 just designates it as the 2nd generation MCP south bridge E.G. nf1 vs nf2. If you see MCP-T for nF2 it indicates that IEEE1394, USB.2.0, and the APU with DD encoder are present. BTW, even the basic MCP for nF2 has USB2.0 and a basic APU with positional sound capabilities.
 

CZroe

Lifer
Jun 24, 2001
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Hmm, wonder why that thread even bothered to specify then... Especially when they got that wrong ;)

I still don't see how it's more cost effective when the nVidia and 3COM MAC have already been paid for as part of the chipset cost.

Thanks!