X-bit labs

Contemporary Platforms with Integrated Graphics (page 15)

Category: Chipsets

by Ilya Gavrichenkov

[ 12/08/2006 | 10:38 AM ]

Conclusion

Although we tried to avoid this outcome, but our today’s comparison of chipsets with integrated graphics cores eventually turned into another “AMD against Intel” article. And it is actually sad that it all ended with the traditional result: like in any other test session with Intel processors on Core micro-architecture participating, they appear to be the indisputable winners. New Intel micro-architecture allowed the company to make a significant jump forward and win the leading positions in the high-end and mainstream segments.

However, AMD fans may claim that we picked the wrong CPUs for our integrated platform tests today. True, the processors we used belong to the mainstream segment and their price approaches $200. At the same time, cheaper Intel processors are still based on NetBurst architecture and are evidently defeated by AMD solutions from numerous standpoints. However, we do not doubt the fairness of our decision. Of course, Core 2 Duo processors may be pretty pricy these days, however, this architecture is about to get into the value dual-core and later into single-core processors. Moreover, platforms using integrated graphics do not always belong to the budget segment. A lot of users with relatively powerful systems get integrated platforms on purpose, if they do not intend to play 3D games or perform any 3D modeling. And in this case integrated mainboards can ensure a pretty decent set of features.

At the same time, it is not always the Core 2 Duo processor that determines the advantages of platforms assembled using Intel components. The integrated Intel 945G and Intel G965 chipsets for LGA775 processors perform better than integrated chipsets for Socket AM2 platform offered by Nvidia. Moreover, this performance advantage can be observed in applications dealing with 3D graphics as well as during video playback. However, this is quite natural: Intel chipsets look better than Nvidia chipsets even during a side-by-side feature comparison.

In fact, the integrated AMD-Nvidia platforms are worth your attention in one major case:  when price is the No.1 factor. This is exactly the reason why Nvidia started refreshing their chipset line-up with the youngest models. However, it is also important to remember that at this attractively low price point Nvidia chipsets, just like the competitor solutions, can guarantee the compatibility with the promising Windows Vista OS and Aero graphics interface.

In conclusion I would like to stress that the situation between AMD’s and Intel’s integrated platforms may very soon change. The thing is that ATI Company acquired by AMD is getting ready to introduce their new integrated RS690 chipset, which is expected to offer very high performance for a graphics solution of this class.