X-bit labs

NVIDIA Confirms nForce3 Go 120 for Transmeta Efficeon Processors.

Category: Mobile

by Anton Shilov

[ 10/15/2003 | 08:31 AM ]

As expected, NVIDIA rolled-out its nForce3 Go 120 core-logic for Transmeta’s latest Efficeon processor after the launch of the latter. The media and communication processor will grant Efficeon-based platforms quality and time-proved I/O capabilities, including PCI, Ethernet and audio controllers, ensuring low power consumption. The nForce3 Go is the first mobile core-logic from NVIDIA.

The only MCP for Transmeta Efficeon CPUs virtually available in the market today – the NVIDIA nForce3 Go 120 – is a little bit simplified nForce3 Go 150 for AMD Athlon 64 CPUs showcased last month at Computex Taipei 2003 trade-show. It sports NVIDIA’s PowerMizer power management system to regulate its power-consumption by running at different voltage levels. Besides, systems powered by the nForce3 Go 120 also boast with Transmeta’s LongRun technology to prolong computer’s life when working at batter power.

Markets of portable and hand-held computers have been growing and will continue to expand, according to analysts. The new MCP solution from NVIDIA has quite a lot of chances to boost the company’s revenue at some point.

NVIDIA’s nForce3 Go 120 features AGP 4x interface, NVIDIA 10/100Mb/s Ethernet controller with StreamThru technology, 2-channel Parallel ATA-33/66/100/133 ports, up to 6 USB 2.0 ports, PCI interface, 6-channel AC’97 audio with S/PDIF output as well as HyperTransport technology to connect the Efficeon processor.

NVIDIA will manufacture the nForce3 Go 120 silicon using 0.15 micron technology at TSMC and will pack the chips into 22mm x 22mm FBGA package. The company disclosed no information about pricing of its new MCP and said nothing about actual products and their availability targets based on Transmeta Efficeon and NVIDIA nForce3 Go 120 chips.