"currently NVIDIA Corp. is the only provider of chipsets capable of using two graphics cards in parallel – NVIDIA nForce4 SLI"

"...the only provider of mainstream desktop chipsets" would be more accurate. There is still intel's tumwater chipset

A superb move on Nvidia's part, imo. It will improve their breadth of experience as well as give them new market opportunities. This will improve the competition in the Intel chipset arena as well, and will, I expect, be an incredible boon to "enthusiasts" as well.

Anyone want to bet that Lake and Glen sets in '05 don't have OC locks? hehe

Have to love competition...

A superb move on Nvidia's part ?

Its the only move they could make! They had no choice but to pay Intel's high licensing fees! Why do you think its taken 4 generations later for an NForce chipset to come to an Intel platform!

At least those of us with multiple setups can have an Nforce powered AMD and Intel setup...

I look forward to a Pentium-M mobo from either DFI or AOpen using Nforce chipset...That would be cool. (We all know P4 and P-M chipsets are no different execept for a few electricals which can be overcome...As it will be shown by DFI and AOpen with their i915 based mobos for P-M that's coming).

Actually they could have just ridden the wave of A64 as it grew, but that is, admittedly, not growing fast. I tend to think they had business options that didn't include going into the Intel business at all. You're saying it's taken 4 generations to show they had no choice but to pay? Of course they had to pay, that much is a given. My remark was regarding the choice to enter the market at all, which I think they avoided from a business decision beyond just pricing of the licensing fees.

Anyway, you agree though that its a good thing?

:)

The more the merrier!

According to The Inquirer, Nvidia now may not have to pay a cent to Intel! (for the first year of the licencing agreement)
=> http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=19791