Chipset Naming Conventions
Chipsets are classified broadly
based on the platforms and the intended market segment
that they would be used in. Currently, we have desktop,
notebook, server and workstation, embedded and consumer
electronics chipsets. In this article, we would
be concentrating on the desktop and notebook chipsets
and detailing the differences between the Intel
Integrated Graphics solutions offered in these chipsets.
The following Intel chipset products
page would be a good starting point to learn about
the various chipset offerings and their detailed
technical specifications.
http://www.intel.com/design/chipsets/express_flyer.htm
Intel GMA 3x00 and X3x00
Series Graphics
The following table illustrates
the growth of the graphics capabilities supported
by the 965 series chipsets. When combined with the
Intel Core Duo Processors, the Intel 965 series
chipset delivers fast system-level performance and
responsiveness. Table 1 provides a detailed breakdown
of the 3D Graphics features supported by the chipsets
that contain the GMA 3x00 and X3x00 series graphics
core.
1 DirectX10 software
driver support expected Q1 2008
2 Shader Model 4.0
software driver support expected Q1 2008
Table 1: Intel GMA 3x00
and X3x00 series 3D Graphics Features
The Intel GMA X3000 provides the
ability to perform 32-bit floating-point operations
for vertex and pixel shaders and texture operations.
With the introduction of the latest drivers (August
2007) for the Intel GMA X3000 series, we get full
programmability of hardware vertex processing and
vertex and pixel shaders supporting Shader Model
3.0. While the hardware support for Shader Model
4.0 is present for Intel GMA X3100 and X3500, the
software driver support is expected in the first
quarter of 2008.
Today's digital home consumers are
demanding high-quality video playback and sharp
image quality from their PC. Intel Graphics with
Intel Clear Video Technology provides advanced processing
capabilities to enable a richer entertainment experience.
Intel Graphics also support the latest in high-definition
formats including HD DVD and Blu-ray. Table 2 provides
a detailed chart of the video features supported
in the latest Intel Integrated Graphics offerings.
3 - HD-DVD or Blu-ray
disc media playback requires the use of a third-party
decoder card and appropriate software drivers.
4 - Intel Clear Video
Technology, including improved video playback and
quality are available only on the Intel G965, G33,
and G35 Express Chipsets, and the Mobile Intel GM965
and GL960 Express Chipsets.
5 – HW accelerated
MPEG-2 VLD not currently supported on Windows Vista*
due to OS issue (to be resolved in Vista* SP1).
6 - HW accelerated
WMV9b/VC-1 not supported on Windows Vista* until
August 2007.
7 - Ability to play
back AVC/H2.64 content is dependent on system configuration,
content bitrate and resolution.
Table 2: Intel GMA 3x00
and X3x00 series -Video Features
Intel Graphics allow the PC to connect
to a wide range of digital displays and resolutions,
including the latest digital interfaces like HDMI.
In addition, Intel Graphics support all high-definition
resolutions, including 720p, 1080i, and 1080p. Table
3 shows a detailed list of display features supported
by each of the Intel GMA 3x00 and X3x00 graphics.
8 TV Wizard utility
is available through a software graphics driver
which is available for download at http://www.support.intel.com/.
9 Requires SDVO card.
Table 3: Intel GMA 3x00
and X3x00 series Display Features
References
The following Intel websites provide
a range of information in varying levels of detail
regarding the Intel Graphics and Chipset offerings.
