Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
• Single-chip (used by 6x, 7x series chipsets)
Tip
On older systems, you might be able to identify the chipset by reading the logo (Intel or others)
as well as the part number and letter combinations on the larger chips on your motherboard.
However, on all recent motherboards, the North Bridge/GMCH/MCH/IOH chip on recent
motherboards is covered up with a passive or active heatsink, and virtually all recent
motherboards use a heatsink on the South Bridge or ICH chip. To determine the chipset used in
these systems, I recommend software such as the Intel Chipset Identification Utility
( http://downloadmirror.intel.com/18498/eng/ChipUtil.exe ) or CPU-Z ( http://cpuid.com ) .
Intel Integrated Graphics Architecture
Intel began producing motherboard chipsets with integrated video starting with the 810 chipset in
April 1999. Intel took this a step further in January 2010 when it introduced the first processors with
integrated video, the Clarkdale Core i-Series processors. By building the graphics directly into the
motherboard chipset or processor, no other graphics chip or video memory was required, meaning
that video could be essentially included in a PC for “free.” Many of the processors and chipsets
including integrated graphics also support slots for graphics cards, meaning that the integrated
graphics could easily be upgraded by adding one or more discrete graphics cards.
See Table 12.2 in Chapter 12 , Video Hardware , ” for the types and features for the integrated
graphics available in Intel motherboard chipsets and processors over the years.
AMD Integrated Graphics Architecture
Before its takeover by AMD, ATI offered a number of chipsets with integrated graphics, and AMD
has continued to do so. AMD's Fusion series of accelerated processing units (APUs), which combine
the CPU with video, was first released in early 2011 for use in notebook and netbook products, and
by mid-2011 for desktop computers. Although AMD's Fusion family has come to market later than
Intel's CPU-integrated products, AMD Fusion is built on its former ATI division's long experience
with all levels of graphic processing.
Note
Traditionally, integrated video has never been fast enough for serious gamers or other users
requiring high-speed displays. Instead, integrated video can offer reasonable graphics
performance for virtually no cost. However, the new generation of CPUs incorporating
graphics now rival mid-range graphics cards.
I often recommend using processors or motherboards that feature integrated graphics as well as
a slot for adding a video card later; that way you can start off by saving money using the
integrated graphics and later upgrade to a higher performance video solution by merely adding
a card.
See the Chapter 12 sections, “ Integrated Video/Motherboard Chipsets ,” p. 611 and “ CPUs with
Integrated Video ,” p. 616 .
 
 
 
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