Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
ponent Interconnect Express (PCIe) x16 video expansion slot. This enables you to add a
faster video card in the future if you decide you need it.
CPUs with Integrated Video
As I have noted elsewhere in this topic, the design of personal computers started out with
the use of many discrete chip-level components on the motherboard. As
Chapter 4
dis-
cusses in detail, individual chips have been replaced by chipsets, several of which reduce
theformerfunctionsofNorthandSouthBridge,SuperI/O,andvideotoasinglechip.The
next step, placing video and 3D rendering within the processor itself, is now a reality on
both Intel and AMD platforms.
By moving video functions within the processor itself, improvements in processor speed,
memory speed, and bus speed directly affect video and 3D speeds. Intel was the first to
place video components inside the processors with its Core i-series processors, but AMD
nowalsooffersthisfeatureinitsnewFusionseriesofprocessorsfornetbooks,notebooks,
tablets, and desktops.
Table 12.5
compares the video graphics features found in Intel and
AMD processors.
Table 12.5 Intel and AMD Processors with Integrated Video
Video Adapter Components
Videodisplayadapters contain certain basiccomponents, usuallyincluding thefollowing:
• Video basic input/output system (BIOS). Provides the firmware controlling the video
card.
• Video processor/video accelerator. Places text or graphics information on-screen, and
provides 3D acceleration.
