Why don't integrated video in M/Bs use dedicated ports?

[MadRat]

It seems to me that memory is not the most expensive component of the video card. Platform after platform makes the same mistake by using direct access to system RAM. Unfortunately we lose quite alot of performance potential due to the lack of memory bandwidth in system memory. Its probably done for simplicity, but its bad for the sales pitch.

Would it not be possible to alleviate the bottleneck by porting some dedicated memory to the video? Performance could be crippled by cutting down the size of the memory to 8-16mb. However it would be plenty for 800x600 resolution, way too small for the diehard gamer and plenty for the newbie.

I wouldn't think we'd be talking alot of money to do this simple idea. Hardcore gamers would still buy dedicated video cards. However, the maker of the integrated video could obviously tout better performance than the competition and make a strong point for buying thier boards.

 

[Midnight Rambler]

Isn't Intel's AIMM module just what you are describing?

It's only available in a 4MB configuration though, IIRC ...

 

[MGMorden]

This could be fairly easily implemented probably. Just have a jumper: close this jumper to make the 3rd DIMM slot SOLEY for video ram. If the jumper is open then it shares system ram. Pretty simple and would do pretty good IMHO.

 

[MadRat]

Its not that you'd want a 3rd DIMM slot necessarily, or any type of expansion slot. Today's videocards use about ten square inches of space for their memory. Motherboards can cram everything completely into a MicroATX size board, leaving well more than ten square inches of space for video RAM.

MicroATX-size boards could probably fit it in easily, if not use an offset mount for it like some already do for USB controllers. Full-size ATX boards would undoubtably be able to fit the memory on it.