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.