Intel Ups PC Audio, Video and Graphics Performance
June 22, 2004
Santa Clara, CA - Intel Corporation announced new chipsets that support audio, video and other capabilities previously found only on specialty PCs, saying the technologies pave the way for High Definition (HD) video, 7.1 surround sound and robust file protection for users.
A trio of new Intel chipsets - called the "glue" between the microprocessor and the rest of the PC - and several new Intel Pentium 4 processors supporting Hyper-Threading Technology are the foundation of these new platforms.
PCs powered by Intel 915 G/P and 925X Express Chipsets, formerly codenamed Grantsdale and Alderwood, are now commercially available. These new chipsets are coupled with the latest Pentium 4 processors supporting HT Technology 5xx sequence, which are built on Intel's most advanced 90nm manufacturing process technology and run at speeds up to 3.60 GHz.
Advanced Sights and Sounds
Audio quality on the PC is upgraded with Intel High Definition Audio, which supports 7.1 surround sound. The Intel High Definition Audio solution also allows the unique capability of sending multiple sound streams simultaneously through the PC's output jacks, allowing one user to listen to an MP3 with headphones while another user is watching a video with multichannel surround sound from the same PC.
On PCs equipped with multiple hard drives, optional Intel Matrix Storage Technology can boost storage performance and help protect irreplaceable work files and personal digital memories through advanced technologies normally found in data centers (using RAID 0 and 1 capability).
Also introduced is Intel Wireless Connect Technology, which enables consumers to set up and configure a wireless home network in four steps. On systems configured with an optional version of an Intel 915 G/P or 925X Express Chipset plus a separate Intel PRO/Wireless 2225BG Network Connection solution, this feature allows for easier sharing of digital videos, photos and music in and around the home or office. Intel Wireless Connect Technology has been introduced with systems expected to be available in limited quantities later this year.
Improved Graphics Capability
Integrated into the Intel 915G Express Chipset, the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900 (Intel GMA 900) will provide new graphics features particularly suited to digital home and office applications. For example, one function allows dual-independent displays - utilizing multiple screens with just one PC - to make use of old monitors and be more productive. Video editors and people analyzing multiple sets of data are just a few of the users who will benefit from this capability. Additionally, support for widescreen LCD televisions has been added to the Intel 915G Express Chipset, including support for cutting edge HDTV formats such as 1080i. Today's 3-D entertainment on the PC is demanding increased performance; special new features being used in many of today's cutting-edge games are supported by Intel GMA 900.
The Intel 915 G/P and 925X Express Chipsets feature a new higher-speed memory called DDR2, which provides headroom for the continued growth of PC platform uses. They will also feature PCI Express bus architecture, a new, higher bandwidth bus technology with up to 3.7X the throughput capability of the decade-old PCI standard. This increased bandwidth coupled with the multitasking benefits of HT Technology optimizes playback and simultaneous recording of HD video content, allowing a user with an HDTV tuner and appropriate software to watch a movie while recording a television program at the same time on just one PC, all in crisp HD quality.
The new family of Intel Pentium 4 processors supporting HT Technology 5xx sequence features an innovative new package called LGA775. This new package will provide headroom for future technologies and improve electrical characteristics of the connection to the motherboard. The Intel Pentium 4 processor supporting HT Technology Extreme Edition family has also been implemented in this new package with the 3.40 GHz part.
Intel Wireless Connect Technology requires an Intel 915 G/P or 925X Express Chipset with Intel 82801FW or RW (ICH6W or RW) I/O Controller Hub and purchase of a separate Intel PRO/Wireless 2225BG Network Connection solution. Availability will be limited.
For more technical information about the new Intel Chipsets, visit
http://developer.intel.com/design/chipsets
# # #
For a listing of all the Industry News Stories...
Click Here |
