Prescott Intel chipsets have "communication streaming architecture"

These chipsets will support the Prescott 90 nanometer microprocessor "seamlessly" when it's released later next year. That means they'll support the Northwood P4s first.

These chipsets support CSA (communication streaming architecture) - a new architecture which includes a port on the the (G)MCH memory controller, and will include Calexico, as we mentioned elsewhere today. They also support Gigabit Ethernet Kenai II, so called "Wirespeed", which Intel claims will give over 60 per cent full duplex performance over PCI32-33.

Chipzilla will call the Canterwood the 875P, the Springdale G the 865G, the Springdale PE the 865PE, and the Springdale P the 865P.

For the 865G, it appears that it will support display modes including 16x12, 75/86Hz will full screen overlay support.

The 865G - for graphics -- has support for two Intel DVO ports multiplexed on AGP, as well as a discrete AGP8X interface, supports dual channel DDR at 400, 333 and 266 speeds, and like Canterwood supports four DIMMs for 4GB memory support.

Chipzilla claims this will give up to a 50 per cent improvement over the 945G and has improvements to the graphics core in that chipset, including true colour support for high res, a 320MHz DAC for 1800 x 1440 85Hz monitors, hardware motion compensation for DVD playing, and TV out support and support for flat panel monitors.

The software for the 845G is also very extensive, and includes support for all versions of Windows, Linux (graphics), and OpenGL to version 1.3. It will also support DirectX 9.0 when Microsoft goes with it (see below).

The 865PE supports the 800MHz front side bus and will support the Prescott in a 478 pin package when that's released.

The 865P will also support the Prescott in a 478 pinout, and is optimised for hyperthreading.

As for Serial ATA - Intel claims its ICH 5.0 will give 150MB/s transfer rates, will have an integrated ASF controller, and an integrated voltage regulator model at 1.5VSB VRM.

Further, Intel like other hardware and CPU manufacturers has been caught napping by the Microsoft postponement of DirectX 9.0, which has been delayed until the Vole makes its mind up.

See Also
Intel's Turbo DDR Canterwood aimed at fast 3D gaming