About NVIDIA nForce2 Platform Processors
NVIDIAs family of nForce2 Platform Processors consists of the nForce2 System Platform Processor (SPP) and the nForce2 Integrated Graphics Processor (IGP), each of which are paired with the nForce2 Media and Communications Processor (MCP). Together, the NVIDIA nForce2 Platform Processors deliver the following key features and functionality:
Performance: Targeted at the system builder, channel and OEM manufacturers who require a discrete platform solution, NVIDIA nForce2 SPP Platform Processors offer blistering platform performance without integrated graphics. The nForce2 SPP Platform Processors feature the industrys only dual DDR400 memory subsystem, providing more than two times the raw system bandwidth over competitive solutions. NVIDIA has engineered the memory subsystem to take advantage of the increased speed of DDR400 memory modules while reducing overall memory access latency, resulting in the fastest and most stable AMD-based PC environment ever. In addition, the SPP incorporates other system level innovations that speeds up CPU processing and intelligently fetches and caches data and other information before they are needed, substantially boosting overall system performance. For add-in graphics capability, the nForce2 SPP features an AGP 8X expansion slot, the fastest internal graphics connection available today.
NVIDIA's nForce2 Platform Processors form the foundation for the fastest PCs ever designed, said Jeans Huang, Senior Vice President of R&D at MSI. NVIDIAs unique system level innovations, including onboard, intelligent, look-ahead caches, and dedicated circuits to drive three DIMMS running DDR400 at full speed are light years ahead of other core-logic designs. Quite simply, PCs and motherboards featuring the power of the nForce2 Platform Processors will outpace everything else in the market by a large margin.
Graphics: In addition to the memory and performance features designed into the nForce2 SPP, the nForce2 IGP also integrates a GeForce4 MX graphics corethe industrys fastest integrated graphics solution. With performance nearly four times that of the closest competitor, the nForce2 IGP also delivers unparalleled visual quality through NVIDIAs Accuview Antialiasing Engine; a Video Processing Engine (VPE) for MPEG2 and DVD decoding; a TV encoder; and an HDTV processor for high-definition viewing. The nForce2 IGP also incorporates NVIDIA nView technology, marking the first time that support for multi-monitor configurationsincluding any combination of CRTs, flat panels or TVshas been integrated directly into the platform core-logichigh-end features normally associated with costly add-in cards. For graphics expandability, the nForce2 IGP Platform Processor also features an AGP 8X expansion slot, the fastest internal graphics connection available today.
Nothing comes close to the raw performance of the integrated GeForce4 MX graphics core, said Mr. Simon Ho, Chairman at Chaintech. The nForce2 IGP with GeForce4 MX graphics outguns every other integrated graphics solution available today, and with the addition of innovative features such as full-scene antialiasing and the ability to drive two independent displays, its clear that the nForce2 is in a class all by itself.
Connectivity: With DualNet, the industrys only dual networking architecture to support simultaneous local-area network (LAN) and wide-area network (WAN) connections; support for up to six high-speed USB 2.0 and three FireWire® (IEEE1394a) ports; and the worlds only integrated Audio Processing Unit (APU) and real-time Dolby® Digital encoder, the nForce2 MCP Platform Processors are the heart and soul of the Digital Media Gateway, providing the ultimate in audio, networking and digital connectivity. And, to address the needs of its corporate customers, NVIDIA has integrated a networking controller licensed from a trusted name in Fortune 500 companies3Com. The addition of the 3Com networking controller ensures corporations and IT departments of software and hardware compatibility with nForce2-based motherboards and PCs, and delivers the reliability and manageability they expect.
NVIDIA SoundStorm: In addition to unveiling its family of nForce2 Platform Processors, NVIDIA also announced NVIDIA SoundStorm, a new audio product aimed at redefining the baseline of PC audio offered as part of an integrated desktop PC platform. PC OEMs and motherboards manufacturers looking to exploit the full functionality of the nForce2 MCP Platform Processors integrated Audio Processing Unit, six channel analog audio-out, and S/PDIF-out for true Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound, will be qualified to use the NVIDIA SoundStorm logo and brand on various marketing collateral and activities, including product marketing materials, box packaging and advertisements.
