Nvidia is expected to launch its MCP61S integrated graphics processor (IGP) chipset for the AMD AM2 platform at the end of August, Taiwanese motherboard makers noted.

The all-in-one IGP solution, which is being manufactured on 90nm technology at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (TSMC), entered the sample stage in May, according to Digitimes.com.

The Nvidia MCP61S is a single chip integrating both northbridge and southbridge capabilities and fully supports Microsoft DirectX 9.0c, and will eventually replace Nvidia's GeForce 6100 northbridge chip that works in conjunction with the nForce 410 southbridge. The new IGP chipset could help motherboard manufacturers reduce design and production costs, as the unit price of MCP61S-based motherboards could be lowered to less than US$80, the makers estimate.

In addition, plans are in the works for a notebook version of the MCP61S IGP chipset, according to the makers.

The availability of Nvidia's all-in-one IGP chipset may further threaten third-party chipset players VIA Technologies and Silicon Integrated System (SiS). Highlighted IGP offerings from the two Taiwan chipset makers include the VIA K8M890 and SiS771.

Leading motherboard makers Asustek Computer, Elitegroup Computer Systems (ECS), Gigabyte Technology and Micro-Star International, as well as Asustek's wholly-owned subsidiary ASRock, are scheduled to release MCP61S-based products by the end of August.