Intel Corporation demonstrated its first chipsets based on PCI Express technology and provided an update on its roadmap for integrating the new interconnect specification into its computing and communications products. Intel also introduced several new programs and tools to help accelerate adoption of PCI Express Technology, including the PCI Express IT Network co-founded with Dell.

During keynotes at the Intel Developer Forum, Intel demonstrated for the first time its next-generation server and workstation chipsets, codenamed “Lindenhurst” and “Tumwater” respectively.

The server chipset demonstration used a Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) networking application to show how PCI Express technology enables direct connections to high-bandwidth adapters and other components without a costly I/O bridge chip that was previously required.

The workstation chipset demonstration focused on the capability of PCI Express to replace the AGP 8x graphics interface. PCI Express technology doubled the performance possible with AGP 8x from 2GB/s to 4GB/s.

Code-named Lindenhurst chipset is planned to be announced in the first quarter of 2004. As we revealed months ago, this chipset will support 667MHz Quad Pumped Bus, dual-channel PC2700 and PC2-3200 memory, PCI Express x8, PCI Express x4, direct connect LAN and storage components. For this specific chipset Intel will also start offering Nocona supporting 667MHz processor bus. In Q1 2004 we will see Nocona 3.50GHz and 3.67GHz for this particular bus.

Workstation-designed core-logic known under Tumwater name will add support for PCI Express x16 bus for graphics cards to features provided by the Lindenhurst and may also support PC2-4000 DDR-II SDRAM memory as well as 800MHz Quad Pumped Bus.

All PCI Express chipsets, including products for servers, workstations and desktops, are scheduled to become available in the first half of 2004.