NVIDIA chipset support rumored to be coming to Atom-based nettops

We've already heard about NVIDIA's apparent interest in getting into the netbook space, despite the fact that it dropped its own grand designs with VIA not too long ago, and it now looks like it could be wrangling its way into other Atom-based territory as well, at least if DigiTimes' latest reporting is to be believed. Supposedly, NVIDIA has been working on getting its MCP79 chipset to support Intel's Atom processors, but it's apparently only focusing on desktop-bound nettops during the "initial period," and leaving the more plentiful netbooks for another day. Unfortunately, there aren't many more specifics than that, but ASUS, Gigabyte and MSI are apparently welcoming the partnership, and saying that it'll give them "more pricing flexibility."

[KAIKAI @ Dec 9th 2008 4:51PM]

cool
this should be good
for battery life...i hope.....

[lawschoolbound @ Dec 9th 2008 4:54PM]

I don't know how powerful this chipset is but a small and quiet atom based system with enough graphics power to support high def video would make for a sweet htpc.

[Mateo @ Dec 9th 2008 5:30PM]

The MCP79 chipset is what nvidia released recently with the new macbooks.
It has h.264 built-in and hopefully would be able to work with the atom to smoothly play 1080p
Super cheap media centers on the way!

[Sam Zebian @ Dec 9th 2008 4:59PM]

I already have an Intel Atom-Based machine (Asus N10-j) with an Nvidia 9300 along with intel integrated graphics, with a switch on the side to switch between integrated and a dedicated gpu. It's awesome for battery/performance!

[thegastronomist @ Dec 9th 2008 7:01PM]

how do you like it? is the performance ok? and have you tried any performance-requiring games?

[Sam Zebian @ Dec 9th 2008 5:06PM]

It's a great little machine, and it runs games alright too. Just search asus n10 on youtube and you'll see it running crisis warhead, cod4 and a few more.

[Student Driver @ Dec 9th 2008 5:00PM]

Yep. I've been installing old games that I loved (Forsaken, Q3A via OpenArena) on it and they work very well. What's interesting is that resolutions you wouldn't dream of running normally (640x400 for OpenArena, for example) work wonderfully with the small screen. I threw on a Nostromo N52te, and now I use it for other gaming anywhere.

A better adapter would be welcomed, as long as it can stay at least as cool as the stock part in my Mini so I don't need fans.

[Kris120890 @ Dec 9th 2008 5:09PM]

Every other netbook has been saying 9300m Is heading to netbooks too. Lets hope they can get the GPUs and chipsets working withe bugs and manufacturing errors.

[digitallysick @ Dec 9th 2008 5:09PM]

I really dont like nvidia now days, but anything would be better than the intel gma 950

[thegastronomist @ Dec 9th 2008 5:34PM]

One of the main reasons i dont want a netbook or nettop is graphics, so this would be great

[punkr0csux @ Dec 9th 2008 5:47PM]

"Nvidia's MCP79 chipset will be the first to support Atom CPUs, however the support will only apply to nettops during the initial period."

Nettops only! Damn, good news for the htpc crowd though. What is an "initial period" anyway?

[sexycommando @ Dec 9th 2008 5:50PM]

I have a strict policy of avoiding any nvidia products for mobile computers. Their mobile products have had nothing but problems the past few years. I really hope there will be more options besides the Intel GMA 950 and Nvidia crap for netbooks in the near future.

[Crooked Style @ Dec 9th 2008 5:55PM]

Like ATI, hell no....
I have an 8400gs on a HP laptop and I've never had any problems whatsoever.

[Oli D @ Dec 9th 2008 6:48PM]

I like ATI and AMD, because i only have to remember one name when making generalizations.

Steve Jobs
Bill Gates (i Know, I know, get with the 21st century)
Derrick Meyer

Easy.

[Chris @ Dec 9th 2008 6:27PM]

They're probably going for nettops first because the 9400m would use a lot of power for a netbook

[Ignatius @ Dec 9th 2008 6:40PM]

We're calling them nettops now?

Can't we just stay with UMPC?

[Oli D @ Dec 9th 2008 6:45PM]

I thought nettops were those hats you wear when handling food.

[Ken @ Dec 9th 2008 6:51PM]

UMPC implies portable (Ultra MOBILE PC). Nettops infer an internet capable low power desktop.

[poematik14 @ Dec 9th 2008 6:48PM]

dual core atom + 9400m chipset or no sale.

[thedesolate1 @ Dec 9th 2008 7:16PM]

I just hope these aren't faulty too...

[karen @ Dec 9th 2008 7:28PM]

what's the main purpose of this thing?

[Paul @ Dec 9th 2008 10:27PM]

Well I have my Nvidea 8600m howling like a banshee constantly due to the previous manufacturing "errors" which began with a few then all the 8 series. Nvidea had better have lifted their game as if the solution is to just get the fans blowing faster then battery life is going to terrible on the netbook idea. I have a EEEbox and love it and am looking at a netbook early next year but will see how the problems might be an issue for me. Nvidea hope you have your "errors" sorted out

[Jonah @ Dec 9th 2008 11:47PM]

@Mateo

...Yeah...but its a mac, so I'm still not going to buy it...

Yes iEye, I hate Mac, as do all of the sensible people who inhabit this universe.