X-bit labs

Intel Trims Windows 98, ME Support by i915, i925-series Chipsets.

Category: Chipsets

by Anton Shilov

[ 04/30/2004 | 06:00 AM ]

Intel Corp.'s upcoming chipsets code-named Alderwood and Grantsdale will not work on Microsoft outdated operating systems reportedly. While the news does not affect a lot of end-users, this is a yet another indication that the industry needs to transit to newer software technology.

The Inquirer cites Intel as saying that there will be no drivers of i915P/i915G, i925X and derivative chipsets for Microsoft Windows 98 and Microsoft Windows ME operating systems. While the reasons for the move are not reported, it is pretty clear that relatively old operating systems may not function well enough with PCI Express-based core-logic components. Furthermore, Microsoft no longer accepts certification submissions for the Windows ME operating system and ceased support for the Windows 98 about 2 years ago. 

New core-logic sets from Intel - i915G, i915P, i925X and derivatives – will bring dual-channel DDR2 SDRAM memory, PCI Express x16 and x1 lanes for add-in cards, Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900 (i915G only), 4 Serial ATA-150, Azalia audio as well as some other important capabilities, such as integrated WLAN or promising RAID technologies.

Customers who buy new computers with pretty high price because of new technologies, such as PCI Express and DDR2 SDRAM, inside, typically acquire new operating systems as well. Corporate clients usually also get personal computers with new operating systems. However, there are few end-users who stick to older OSes to play certain outdated games or for some other reasons.

Officials for Intel and Microsoft did not comment on the story.