Nvidia, partners roll out graphic card format for next-generation NBs

Taipei, May 20, 2004 (CENS)--Graphic-chip giant Nvidia recently drew up the MXM graphic card interface for next-generation notebook computers with its notebook-computer partners including Quanta Computer, Wistron, Aopen, and Elitegroup Computer Systems.

It is the first time for notebook-computer suppliers to co-develop a common format for graphic card interface for notebook computers built on PCI Express-bus specification.

Nvidia has bagged around 22% of the world market for notebook-computer graphic chips since it diversified into this area three years ago, according to the company's executives. The company vowed to unseat nearest rival ATI Technology in PCI Express chip market and snatch up 50% of the world market for notebook-computer graphic chips by the end of this year.

Rob Csongor, senior director of mobile computing products at Nvidia, pointed out that a common graphic-card interface will help quickly boost acceptance of PCI Express computers. He expected notebook-computer suppliers to roll out MXM-compatible products some time in the second half this year.

The Intel-spearheaded PCI Express is viewed as the bus standard for next-generation desk-top computers and notebook computers. The standard provides direct access to system memory for connected devices, but uses a bridge to connect to the front-side bus and therefore to the central processing units (CPUs). Basically, this means that it is capable of even higher performance than traditional buses while eliminating the potential for interference with the CPU.

Csonger expected Intel to introduce PCI Express chipsets for notebook computers soon after it unveils the long-awaited Grandsdale chipset for PCI Express desktop computers next month.