[Pc_Support] Core2Duo-compatible mobos comparable to nForce 61x0-based? -- no volume = no interest

[Bryan J. Smith]

Damien McKenna wrote:
> Does anyone know of a Core2Duo-compatible motherboard (or at least
> the chipset) that is comparable in terms of functionality to the
> nForce 61x0-based Athlon motherboards?  Thanks.

Nope.  You see, Intel is the 800lbs. gorilla that sells the complete
solution -- chipset with IGP (Integrated GPu) and processor.  As we
all know, the i9xx _sucks_ in comparison to even the _worst_ of the
NV4x series, and even the combination chipset-IGP + CPU is a lost
cause with Intel.

So due to the lack of volume, both ATI and nVidia limit their
developments for Intel.  IGP chipsets are virtually non-existent right
now, with only a few non-IGP offerings.  Although nVidia does offer
the nForce 500 series in Intel flavors, none of the 500 series offers
an IGP.

Which means you either have to add a cheap 6200/7300LE for $30-40, or
just "suck it up" with i9xx graphics.  ;->

Furthermore, with AMD owning ATI now, it's extremely doubtful ATI will
design any new Intel chipsets.  There will be some limited offerings
and that's it.

nVidia looks like they may be releasing a very inexpensive, single-IC
chipset for both AMD and Intel soon.  A really stripped down G7x
(GeForce 7100?) with either no external PCIe option, or only 11-12
PCIe lanes -- 8 for an external PCIe video.