Intel Introduces New Chipsets for Intel Pentium III Processor-Based Mainstream PCs; Intel 815 and Intel 815E Chipsets Support PC133 SDRAM Memory and Flexible Graphics Capabilities

Business Wire, June 19, 2000

Business/High Tech Editors

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 19, 2000

Intel Corporation today introduced two new chipsets for Intel(R) Pentium(R) III processor-based PCs targeted at the mainstream desktop market segment.

The Intel(R) 815 and Intel(R) 815E Chipsets, based on Intel's revolutionary Hub Architecture, provide integrated graphics functionality with the ability to upgrade via an external graphics card for either AGP 4x or AGP 2x graphics capabilities. Both chipsets also feature support for PC133 and PC100 SDRAM memory.

Additionally, like the recently announced Intel(R) 820E Chipset, the Intel 815E Chipset features a new I/O Controller Hub (ICH2) for greater system performance and flexibility. The ICH2 provides an additional Universal Serial Bus (USB) controller, a Local Area Network (LAN) Connect Interface, dual Ultra ATA/100 controllers and up to six-channel audio capabilities.

"The Intel 815 and Intel 815E Chipsets deliver flexibility, scalability and stability for mainstream Pentium III processor-based PCs," said Louis Burns, vice president, Intel Architecture Group, and general manager of Intel's Desktop Platforms Group.

"Intel 815 and Intel 815E Chipset-based platforms also deliver comprehensive platform software for graphics, networking storage, security, audio and video to ensure platform stability and performance."

The ICH2: More Performance and Flexibility

With two USB controllers, the ICH2 offers 24 Mbps of bandwidth across four ports, supporting Intel's push for a true "Ease of Use PC." Feature integration also includes dual Ultra ATA/100 controllers to support the fastest integrated device electronics (IDE) transfer rates available and added performance using Intel's storage driver. The ICH2 has an enhanced AC'97 interface supporting full surround-sound for Dolby(a) Digital audio found on DVD and simultaneously supports a soft modem connection. To meet the networking needs for e-home or e-Business, the ICH2 has a LAN Connect Interface (LCI) supporting multiple network connectivity solutions.

Integrated LAN Functionality: Cost-Effective Networking

By integrating the Intel(R) PRO/100 Fast Ethernet controller directly into the chipsets, Intel makes it easier for computer manufacturers and system integrators to implement cost-effective network connections into PCs. The controller works with one of three new physical layer components from Intel and enables three distinct solutions for computer manufacturers. These solutions include: managed 10/100Mbps Ethernet with Alert on LAN(a) technology for business environments; basic 10/100Mbps connectivity for the value segment; and 1 Mbps home networking connectivity. These physical layer components can be placed directly on the PC motherboard or used on a new type of network adapter card such as the Intel(R) PRO/100 VE Desktop Adapter, which is based on the Communications and Networking Riser (CNR) specification. The CNR card allows computer manufacturers to configure network-ready solutions for several different market segments.

In 1,000-unit quantities, the Intel 815 Chipset is priced at $41 each and the Intel 815E is priced at $46 each, and systems using both chipsets are currently shipping from a variety of computer manufacturers.

Versatile, Rapid Boot Desktop Board Also Announced

Intel also announced the Intel Desktop Board D815EEA, a highly versatile, ATX form factor board based on the Intel 815E Chipset and accommodating the latest FC-PGA Pentium III processors with 133 and 100 MHz system bus speeds and Intel(R) Celeron(TM) processors with the 66 MHz system bus. The D815EEA desktop board supports PC133 or PC100 SDRAM and the new, faster ATA-100 hard drives. This board also features Rapid BIOS Boot for faster system startup and a digital video output header for TV and DVI, as well as four USB ports. In addition, users can choose between on-board, integrated graphics or high-speed AGP 4X graphics cards. The board also supports optional on-board Creative Labs(a) SoundBlaster(a) PCI audio, optional Intel PRO/100 V (integrated 10/100 LAN), and an optional Communication and Network Riser (CNR) card. Intel(R) Express BIOS Update, an OS-based utility that simplifies the process for upgrading the BIOS, is also supported. The Intel Desktop Board D815EEA will be available through resellers beginning this week for prices estimated between $150 and $170, depending on features.

Intel, the world's largest chip maker, is also a leading manufacturer of computer, networking and communications products. Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com/pressroom.

(a) Third party marks and brands are property of their respective holders.