S3 Launches Energy-Efficient Graphics Chips
S3 Graphics announced on Wednesday its new Chrome 400 ULP Series of low-power graphics solutions for ultra mobile devices.
A new energy-efficient graphics processor by S3 Graphics is looking to bring discrete graphics solutions to ultra mobile devices. S3 Graphics is claiming the new graphics processor delivers the highest performance-per-watt ratio ever for a new breed of energy-efficient desktops and portable notebooks. With a maximum power envelope extending below 7-watts, the graphics solution is claimed to produce significantly less heat than competing offerings, making it possible for even subnotebooks to feature dedicated graphics.
The Chrome 400 ULP series comes in three different flavors; the Chrome 430 ULP, the Chrome 435 ULP and the Chrome 440 ULP. The Chrome 430 ULP seems to be the variant that was developed specifically for subnotebooks, featuring a TDP of less than 7-watts, HD video acceleration and DirectX 10.1 support. The heftier Chrome 435 ULP has been designed for thin and light notebooks with claims it out-competes its competition in both energy-efficiency and performance. Lastly, the Chrome 440 ULP has been designed for desktop replacements systems, promising HD 1080p playback, dual-stream Blu-ray support and DirectX 10.1 gaming performance.
The Chrome 400 ULP series of graphics processors have already begun shipping, with Fujitsu being a known OEM customer. While this news may mean there are some new spiffy Fujitsu Lifebooks in the works, it should be interesting to see if future netbooks will also adopt these new graphics processors. Netbooks have been designed for low-cost and lean function, not gaming-capable performance. One area netbooks could use a boost in though is battery life, making a more energy-efficient graphics processor a possible consideration.
beat nvidia to it lol.
xD
nVidia never was going to get Direct-X 10.1,as they never needed to,if they would not adopt it,Microsoft would not make it a required update(and specifically,as ATi had the advantage,as their graphics cards were designed for DX10.1 and not DX10)
it was 4MB wow those were the days. I can't remember what that game was that came with that card bit I do remember the card costing a lot...lol
It seems like you're just pulling that out of your ass.
Like mentioned, this GPU is made for Mini-notebooks, where enough performance is necessary to do basic tasks and light 3D graphics, but where power saving is of primary concearn!
I can imagine mini-notebooks with this chip to be able to last 10 to 20 minutes longer on a 3,5hour charge!
To me the first mini notebook with a decent resolution (1280x768), 9" screen, and a full 6-8hour charge would be the perfect mini-notebook!
Some people are talking about creating laptops with a DAY's charge!
Companies like this only help in the process of reaching the goal of a Day (12 hours) long battery life on a notebook!
Eventhough these notebooks already exsist, they cost way too much.
An S3 card, perfectly capable of displaying nearly everything the non-gamer needs, will be a great alternative to intel's GMA945 and GMA950.
you can argue only what is worse Intel integrated gpu or s3 discrete gpu...
by the way, as you can see, my ass is quite smart...
you should listen to it very carefully...
regards Evilshuriken