Intel Unveils New 3 Series Chipset (aka Bearlake) for Core 2 Duo and Penryn Processors

21/06/07

Intel has finally taken the wraps off the '3-Series' chipsets (aka Bearlake'). Originally designed to house Core 2 Duo and Quad processors, the new chipsets are also designed to accommodate the "Penryn family" 45 nanometer (nm) processors expected later this year. What is the '3-Series' chipsets (aka 'Bearlake') offering?

• Intel 3 Series Chipsets support DDR2 up to 800MHz, or DDR3 memory with data transfer speeds up to 1333 MHz, enabling speedy access to files and a more responsive PC.
• Support for PCI Express 2.0, which doubles the available bandwidth (to 5Gpbs) for graphics cards
• Support for Intel Turbo Memory which enables faster application loading and boot times.
• Part of the 3-Series versions will have Intel integrated graphics the G33 and G35 Express Chipsets. Theses graphic chipsets include Intel Clear Video Technology which can enhance video playback and supports the High Definition Media Interface (HDMI). System manufacturers can also support HD DVD and Blu-ray disc playback
• Support for up to six external drives
• Intel High Definition Audio
• "Quiet System Technology" to help enable reduced system noise and heat.

For the Mac owners, although Intel touts Windows Vista compatibility for these chipsets and the future Core 2 Extreme, they could well make their way into Macs as well. The Core 2 Extreme is based on the Core 2 Duo, which is already used in a number of Macs, and the 3-Series chipset provides drop-in compatibility for both. The Intel G33 and P35 Express Chipsets have been shipping since April, while the Intel Q33 and Q35 Express Chipsets are shipping now ahead of their Q3'07 introduction. The Intel G35 Express Chipset and the advanced Intel X38 enthusiast chipset with dual graphics support will ship within 90 days, Intel said. Alongside the 3-Series announcement, Intel announced plans to ship a Core 2 Extreme mobile processor by the third quarter of this year.