by Anton Shilov
03/15/2005 | 04:06 PM
FIC, who is today transforming into a maker of barebones from a manufacturer of mainboards, is demonstrating a prototype of its KTMC51G mainboard which is projected to be based on an unannounced NVIDIA’s chipset with integrated graphics core for AMD Athlon 64 processors.
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While NVIDIA is tight-lipped over the core-logic code-named C51, some details about the chipset are still available. The C51G is a two-chip value solution for AMD Athlon 64 market. It provides an integrated graphics core, PCI Express x16 slot for add-in graphics cards and can connect to the company’s forthcoming media and communication processors that feature Serial ATA-II, Gigabit Ethernet, PCI Express x1, FireWire, USB 2.0 as well as other I/O features.
The chipsets are expected to support both Socket 939 and Socket 754 microprocessors with 800MHz and 1000MHz HyperTransort speeds.
FIC currently uses VIA K8M890-based mainboard to “emulate” NVIDIA’s C51 and little is known when NVIDIA manages to deliver a more or less final version of the chipset to its partners among mainboard makers.
It is very likely that the chipset features GeForce 6200-like graphics core which incorporates memory controller enhancements that can reduce the impact high latency memory access, which is a result of memory controller integrated into AMD Athlon 64-series processors. Still some sources suggested that the C51 sports GeForce 4-like integrated graphics unit.
Any official information was unavailable at press time.
There is definitely “SLI-mania” all over CeBIT show this year: all mainboard makers, even those who produce relatively affordable products, display their mainboards that support capability to install two graphics cards instead of one and get additional performance in 3D applications.
Historically dual-chip graphics cards were not successful, but with the help of NVIDIA’s Scalable Link Interface graphics cards makers have probably decided to give the idea another chance. Following Gigabyte, who introduced its 3D1 graphics card with two GeForce 6600 GT graphics processors late last year, ASUSTeK Computer and Leadtek Research are rolling out their dual-GeForce 6600 GT graphics cards at CeBIT 2005.
Leadtek’s Duo PX6600 GT Extreme graphics card works in any PCI Express x16-supporting mainboard and operates at higher core and memory clock-speeds compared to the reference-speed GeForce 6600 GT graphics products (550MHz/560MHz for core/memory versus 500MHz/1000MHz default speeds).
Still, Leadtek’s dual graphics card has the same disadvantage similar to all SLI setups based on the GeForce 6600 GT graphics chips: each of the visual processing unit is only equipped with 128MB of memory; considering the SLI architecture, this results in total effective amount of memory of 128MB – not enough for today’s high-end games played in high resolutions. Still, dual-GPU graphics cards may end up as interesting solutions provided that the price is competitive, e.g., considerably lower compared to single-GPU graphics cards with similar performance.
A lot of computer enthusiasts familiar with Zalman’s TNN-series have been extremely passionate to buy one even despite of the pricing of about $1000. Now Zalman is preparing a yet another one computer case which should become available in Summer. But this time one of the world’s most well-known memory makers is going to propose a product for the digital home concept.
The new TNN300 model is much smaller compared to the TNN500A and TNN500AF models and also comes equipped with a remote controller that can manage consumer electronics in addition to the PC itself. Quite naturally, the front panel of the case is made to match the design of the home equipment and not to be too distinctive among other devices in the living room.
Despite of being small and having different front bezel, the new computer case from Zalman did not lose its main advantage over its rivals: totally fanless cooling for everything what is inside: for the central processing unit, for the graphics processing unit as well as for the memory controller hub. The heat from all the components goes via the heatpipes to the walls of the chassis that resemble giant heatsinks. The power supply unit’s components are also cooled down in the same way.
The main conception of every Zalman’s PC case – totally fanless PC – is fulfilled pretty well in TNN300, but it is unclear whether enthusiasts of the so-called digital home are going to bite it. The case alone is projected to cost about $800, which is not a small amount of money; furthermore, the TNN300 does not exactly match the design of home appliances, which may be a factor against it. Nevertheless, TNN300 may become popular among PC enthusiasts because of lower pricing and smaller sizes compared to TNN500-series.
CoolerMaster has so far been known as a maker of quality computer cases for high-end desktops, workstations and servers and also as a maker of cooling solutions. But this year the company is planning to address a relatively new market for itself – the market of media center PCs, following the emerging trend towards digital home.
Currently CoolerMaster has five different CMedia cases aimed at the living room in the lineup with difference in design, size and ability to install additional components. The cases can mount ATX, micro-ATX, flex-ATX and ITX mainboards.
The CMedia breed of cases from CoolerMaster are equipped with infrared receiver as well as liquid crystal display, which allows them to act like home electronics. It is unclear whether CoolerMaster has any plans to supply its own components for its cases designed for media center needs, such as, for example, remote controllers. Currently the company demonstrates media center capabilities using Cyberlink software and hardware.
Well-known maker of coolers – Thermaltake – is definitely not lagging behind its rivals with concepts for computer cases and even high-end water-coolers for the living room.
The company’s main product aimed at the living room is called Tenor, it features fancy outlook, various indicators, but generally resembles the company’s Soprano and Tsunami series of computer chassis from Thermaltake. Another product that matches design of consumer gear is named Mystic, which has more lighting, but generally cannot boast with any additional capabilities over typical cases except the design. Other models of Thermaltake’s cases also have compounds for CDs, but no remote controllers and similar features.
Another important demonstration Thermaltake carried out during the show is display of coolers that look like consumer electronics products, such as speakers.
BTX form-factor that first faced commercial introduction last year is not popular at all these days. Historically it took the industry about 5-6 years to drive a new PC form-factor to 80% of computers available on the market and the projection that BTX may require 7 years may turn out to be correct. Nevertheless, some companies not only develop commercial BTX mainboard for processors from the main inventor of the BTX – Intel Corp. – but also for chips from Advanced Micro Devices.
At CeBIT 2005 chipmaker Silicon Integrated Systems and mainboard and barebone manufacturer First International Computer unveiled their conceptual BTX mainboards that support AMD Athlon 64 processors. Both showcases are probably mainly aimed at system integrators to reassure them BTX form-factor can be implemented for AMD64 processors.
SiS shows off its concept mainboard based on SiS756 North Bridge and SiS966 South Bridge and provides sufficient level of I/O capabilities for today – PCI Express, Serial ATA, USB 2.0 are there, so is support for AMD’s PGA939 processors, including the top-end Athlon 64 FX chips. The main thing about the mainboard is still the fact that it is a reference design and it is unclear whether mainboards and systems makers will adopt it.
Another plan to use BTX form-factor for AMD64 central processing units could be found at the roadmap of FIC. Apparently, the company wants to introduce a yet another mainboard based on NVIDIA’s chipset code-named C51 in addition to its KTMC51G – the KTBC51G. The product is expected to support AMD Athlon 64 processors in addition to PCI bus and everything that the integrated version of the nForce4 chipset can provide does not even have a prototype yet.
Both examples of BTX usage for AMD Athlon 64-series processors mean one thing – BTX is starting to pickup, but very slowly and uncertainly. The main drivers of BTX adoption are still largest computer makers, such as Dell and HP, as well as Intel Corp..