P4 Integrated Chipset Expected Next Year
By Van Smith
Date: July 17, 2001
According to Intel spokesman George Alfs, the chipmaker plans its first integrated chipset for the P4 next year, although the "date or the specifics of the platform haven't been disclosed yet," Alfs stressed.
The term "integrated chipsets" refers to core logic controllers possessing integrated graphics cores. Such chipsets serve to cost reduce platforms while also lowering maintenance expenses since driver sets are easier to maintain. The value of integrated chipsets, especially to businesses wishing to contain TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) and OEMs trying to control support expenses, has been proven over the last few years. Although the Santa Clara chip company is not known for its graphics parts, its success with integrated chipsets has quietly launched it into a graphics controller leadership position.
Ironically, with the introduction of nVidia's nForce Athlon chipset, Intel is suddenly at a competitive disadvantage to its chief microprocessor rival regarding integrated core logic controllers. It appears the P4 will not be supported by an integrated chipset of any kind until next year. However, ATi is believed to have a P4 product similar to the nForce under development. Few reliable details are known yet about this product.
Meanwhile, Intel's earnings exceeded forecasts by posting profits of 12 cents per share, two cents greater than expectations.
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