Intel Corp is introducing a new low-end PC chipset, unveiling its new graphics chip and launching the latest Celeron chips in a slew of announcements this week. The chipset and the Celeron CPU will be a renewed push into the sub-$1000 PC market by Intel, according to a spokesperson.
The 810 chipset is the first in Intel’s new range which handle the core functionality of a motherboard, replacing the 440 range. The 810, which was codenamed Whitney, combines 3D graphics, audio processing, modem and DVD capabilities with an optional 4Mb cache and a interconnect bus that supports either 66MHZ or 100MHz connects. Intel has also replaced the PCI connection between the north side of the chipset – which handles CPU data – and the south side of the chipset, which deals with I/O functions. The new Intel Accelerated Hub Architecture has a data transfer speed of 128mbps. The multimedia functionality of the chip is handled in part by the 810, but also calls on the CPU. Asked if this might not slow performance when compared to systems with dedicated graphics chips, the spokesperson claimed that the new 466MHz Celeron ramped up performance. We couldn’t do it on previous generations, he admitted.
The new 752 graphics processor is based around the same graphics processing core that is used by the 810 chipset. The 752 series replaces Intel’s i470 series and offers improved 3D texture and filtering facilities, along with software DVD support.
The Celeron 466MHz processor is now out, priced at $169 per 1,000. The 810 will be available in June at around $30 for 10,000 units. The 752 will be available in June for $19.50 for 10,000 units.
