NVIDIA Launches Intel IGP

MCP73 finally hits the market for Intel chipsets

NVIDIA is set to launch its long-awaited MCP73 integrated graphics solution for Intel processors – the GeForce 7 series and nForce 600i series. The new GeForce 7 series IGP solutions for Intel processors arrive in three variants – GeForce 7150 and 7100 with the nForce 630i and the GeForce 7050 with nForce 630i or nForce 610i.

The GeForce 7 series IGP features Vista aero glass compatible graphics with DirectX 9 and Shader Model 3.0 support. NVIDIA equips the GeForce 7150 and 7100 IGP with a native HDMI interface with HDCP compatibility for Blu-ray and HD DVD high-definition video playback. The GeForce 7050 and higher support a single-link DVI output with HDCP compatible. The cost-effective GeForce 7050 lacks DVI, HDMI and HDCP.

NVIDIA’s flagship GeForce 7150 features a clock speed of over 600 MHz while the lesser GeForce 7100 has a 600 MHz clock speed. The lower GeForce 7050 has a 500 MHz clock speed.

Memory support differs on the GeForce 7150/7100 and 7050. The GeForce 7150 and 7100 feature support for DDR2-800 while the GeForce 7050 is limited to DDR2-667.

All IGPs paired with the nForce 630i feature support for 1333 MHz front-side bus processors. The GeForce 7050 with nForce 610i is limited to 1066 MHz front-side bus processors.

Other notable features of the GeForce 7 series iGP and nForce 600i series include support for one PCIe x16, two PCIe x1, four SATA 3.0Gbps, two PATA and RAID. NVIDIA differentiates the nForce 630i and 610i with a few networking, USB and storage features. The nForce 630i supports Gigabit Ethernet, ten USB ports and RAID 0, 1, 0 + 1 and 5. The nForce 610i is limited to 10/100 Ethernet, eight USB ports and RAID 0 and 1.

NVIDIA also offers a graphic-less nForce 630i with the same features as the IGP variants, including DDR2-800 and 1333 MHz front-side bus support.

Expect NVIDIA GeForce 7 series IGP motherboards for Intel processors to show up in the coming weeks with varying prices. NVIDIA expects the GeForce 7100 with nForce 630i to take on Intel’s G33 Express with a sub-$60 build cost.

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