With announcement of Intel Core 2 Duo CPU, code named Conroe, many new chipset have gradually appeared to the market. SiS, as Intel’s long-term chipset vendor, officially presents SiS671FX integrated chipset. We expect to receive great responses from both OEM and DIY markets.

SiS671FX shoots up

Intel Core 2 Duo CPU seems to arouse interest in adopting dual core processor. Therefore, it’ll be the most important reason for consumer to look for the most valuable chipset pairing with new generation CPUs. Contrary to AMD CPUs, Intel CPU doesn’t integrate memory controller. Thus, DDR2 compatibility becomes a critical issue to chipsets. Furthermore, chipsets are also required to support higher than FSB 1066MHz due to Intel Core 2 Duo CPUs requirement.

The newly-released SiS671FX chipset meets all the requirements of Intel Core 2 Duo CPUs by supporting DDR2-667 and FSB1066MHz. More surprisingly, its performance is still impressive, and superior. For DIY users, who pursue ultimate performance of system, the SiS671FX chipset is definitely their No. 1 solution. The overclocking of the SiS671FX makes it a more valuable product for customers since it performs as good as other high-end products, or even better. Besides, The SiS671 fully supports Intel’s quad-core processor “Kentsfield” (QX6700), therefore, brings possibility for future possible upgrade to all users.

The efficiency of memory controller and the transmission between Northbridge and Southbridge chipsets are considered main focus for chipset makers. With advanced memory controller, SiS671FX enables Core 2 Duo processor to deliver better performance. The transmission between Northbridge and Southbridge chipsets is based on SiS proprietary MuTIOL® 1G technology enabling up to 1GB/s of transmission.

Socket LGA775 has well prepared for quad-core CPUs

Amazingly reduces 50% of power

As more and more environmental concern, whether a new product can perfectly save more power is getting critical. Control power-consumption can not only save power, but also release the loading of cooling system, which results in a quieter environment for users. The SiS671FX is better than other brands of chipsets on power-saving aspect. It integrates SiS Advanced Power Management Technology to lower frequency whenever embedded graphics core doesn’t process 3D graphics. In addition, the paired SiS968 Southbridge chipset also features power-saving capability. The embedded Gigabit Ethernet MAC controller will be stop working if the embedded LAN doesn’t work, and so do other connectors as SATA2, PCIe, IDE, and HD audio. As we know, power-consumption will be impressively reduced by 50% with such flexibility. It is definitely a huge benefit for business users.

It almost becomes a basic requirement for chipset makers to develop new chipsets with low power-consumption feature. After dropping out of Pentium® 4 NetBurst architecture, Intel also starts to focus on low power-consumption processors. Core 2 Duo, for example, offers low power consumption capability. The paired chipset must have the same feature so that the total performance of the system would be extremely performed. The SiS671FX chipset controls the maximum power-consumption within 5W so that it enables the system to easily release the heat, and is considered an environmental friendly computer.

Super SiS Mirage™3 graphics, ready for Windows Vista™

The latest SiS Mirage™3 graphics engine, been validated by Windows Vista, features a DirectX9 Shader Model 2.0 dual pixel shading pipelines, a Video Scaler/De-interlacer, MPEG2 accelerator, motion compensation, and HD video link to support high definition digital flat panel. Also, it supports up to 256MB display memory from sharing system memory.

Although Mirage™3 graphics engine has refreshed your idea of integrated GPU, you can still experience extremely high-end 3D performance by using add-on VGA card. The SiS671FX has passed the validation of PCI Express 1.1 testing conducted by PCI-SIG, therefore, it surely is able to work perfectly with PCI Express cards.

Mirage™3 graphics engine embraces powerful graphics enhancement

Secret Supporter: SiS968 Southbridge

We may have to attribute the success of the SiS671FX partly to the paired Southbridge chipset, SiS968. It not only supports two PCI Express x1 slots, two SATAII ports, but also RAID1, 1, and JBOD. Another feature we would like to point out is that SiS968 still equips IDE port (ATA133) which enables CD-ROM and hard drive to work and eliminate the cost for board maker when using additional third part chip.

Full-functioned SiS968

The embedded Gigabit Ethernet is one of the favorite functions of SiS968 for business users. Also, 8-channel HD Audio and eight USB2.0 ports lift up its multimedia performance. In fact, SiS, regardless of the cost, insists to provide both Northbridge and Southbridge chipsets as a set to deliver more reliable and stable system performance. By doing this, the SiS968 Southbridge chipset is able to be equipped with more comprehensive functions. As we can see, the SiS968 Southbridge chipset really did an excellent job.

Full-equipped connections of internet access, audio, and USB2.0

Conclusion

It is getting easier for users to find cost-effective integrated motherboards. The SiS671FX, integrated with Mirage™3, is undoubtedly one of your best solutions. It provides PCIe x16 slot for further upgrade of system. Besides, the capabilities of the combined SiS968 Southbridge chipset can be viewed as great pluses for consumers when choosing Core 2 Duo platforms.