X-bit labs

Tuesday, August 16, 2005

Platforms for Dual-Core Intel Pentium Processors Compared. Intel’s 945 and 955 Act Against NVIDIA’s nForce4 SLI Intel Edition

Intel Pentium D and Intel Extreme Edition dual-core processors are not as high-performing as AMD Athlon 64 X2 chips in mainstream applications, but have another significant advantage over the competition: lower price. That said, a lot of enthusiasts may be interested in acquiring Intel’s latest products, but may have troubles with decision about the platforms: should they get Intel 945 or 955X chipset-based mainboard, or pick up a mainboard running NVIDIA nForce4 SLI Intel Edition.

The Tech Report web-site has decided to clear the things up once and for all and has prepared a roundup of seven mainboards powered by the aforementioned chipsets. After checking out the products’ feature-set, performance and overclockability, the authors came to valuable conclusions.

“While it was easy to single out the [ABIT] AL8 [Intel 945P] as our favorite platform for a budget system, picking the best high-end board is more difficult. In my view, it comes down to a battle between the Asus P5ND2-SLI Deluxe [NVIDIA nForce4 SLI Intel Edition] and P5WD2 Premium WiFiTV Edition [Intel 955X]. Both were performance leaders, and each has something a little different to offer. For the P5WD2, it's the WiFiTV bundle, and for the P5ND2-SLI it's support for SLI,” The Tech Report’s article said.

“In the end, I think the P5ND2-SLI Deluxe has the edge. The P5WD2's WiFiTV bundle is certainly fancy, but it only appeals to those with a hankering for Wi-Fi and a TV tuner. You can build a better Wi-Fi/TV tuner bundle on your own with the P5WD2's $100 price premium, and it'll probably take more than a C-note to convince NVIDIA to support SLI on the Intel 955X chipset,” the article concluded.

• The Tech Report: Dual-Core-Capable Pentium Platforms Compared.

The Future of Skype Analyzed. Skype’s Possible Prospects Revealed

Even though Skype, which provides Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephony services and PC-to-PC calling, turns two years old later this month, its business model is still unclear. In fact, the service could become a platform for next-generation voice and video communications, evolve into a high-profile Internet company or just stay where it is now.

Knowledge@Warton has posted a brief analysis of the future of Skype that covers a number of possible options:

• Skype could emerge as a new communications platform that ties voice and video, not to mention millions of people together via handheld devices.
• It could be acquired by an established communications or media company, even though Skype’s chief says that the company is happy to be privately-held.
• The company could be pulled into a regulatory fray over issues such as 911 calls as it grows into a de facto telecommunications company…
• …or it could remain an underground movement that continues to garner millions of users across the globe and is able to skirt regulatory concerns altogether.
• Another potential threat for Skype lies in cable and telecommunications companies that could block its use. However, Skype’s chief says such a move would be counterproductive for the telecoms, as people may cease to use their services.

Links:

• CNET News.com: Can Skype Beat the Hype?
• Reuters: News Corp. Eyed Skype for $3 Bln Takeover – Report.
• Reuters: Skype Investor Says Web-Talk Firm Should Stay Single.
• Knowledge@Warton.
• Skype: The Whole World Can Talk for Free.