mcp79
Latest
Mac mini, Apple TV to use new Ion platform?
Tom's Hardware says that Apple will use NVIDIA's Ion platform in an updated Mac mini, and AppleInsider says it could also be used in an updated Apple TV. NVIDIA's Ion platform is a low-cost, small-form-factor logic board that includes both an NVIDIA graphics processor and Intel CPU (among other things). According to AppleInsider, Ion uses the same 9400M chipset used in the new MacBook and MacBook Pro models. We knew that existing iMac and Mac mini models are already using the 9400M as part of the NVIDIA MCP79 platform. Either way, with the 9400M, full-screen HD decoding is built-in. According to Tom's Hardware, the Ion package slated for use with the Mac mini includes an Intel Atom 330 processor. AppleInsider says that performance gains for a new Mac mini based on this platform could require OpenCL, a technology only available so far in builds of Snow Leopard. Tom's expects the new Mac mini to arrive in March, while AppleInsider, says that it could arrive "this month." Fingers crossed. The Apple TV, on the other hand, with its 1GHz CPU, would see a significant boost with Ion. The margins on the Apple TV are already tight, though, and adding more power could break the bank on Apple's "hobby" project. But what if the next-generation Apple TV and Mac mini were one and the same? It's a floor wax! It's a dessert topping! Stop, you're both right.
New iMacs and Mac minis to use NVIDIA chips?
AppleInsider is reporting that the speculated refresh for the iMac and Mac minis lines might include NVIDIA graphics chips. This information was discovered while an InsanelyMac forum poster found some extension files included with the new MacBooks/MacBook Pros. The exentions were named, "iMac9,1" and "Macmini3,1."Currently shipping iMacs and Mac minis have the model numbers of "iMac 8,1" and "Macmini2,1," respectively. The kernel extension .plist file is part of the SMC (System Management Controller) and ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface), and made reference to "CFG_MCP79." The MCP79 is a graphcis chipset offered by NVIDIA that is found on the current line MacBook, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air. For more information, you can read the forum posting at InsanelyMac.[via AppleInsider]
Nvidia schemes to get in on the Atom platform
We all know that you can't trick someone into falling in love with you (unless in you're in a movie with Kate Hudson -- in which case the results are sure to be hilarious), but it looks like the kids at NVIDIA are looking to do just that. It's been previously rumored that NVIDIA's been working on Atom support in its MCP79 chipset, and now the company's in Taiwan, trying to rally support for a crazy scheme whereby PC makers will demand that Intel begin selling them Atom CPUs without bundling in their own graphics chipsets. And if that weren't enough, the GPU maker releases their Ion platform today, designed to replace Intel's graphics chipset on Atom systems. There's no word on how Intel will react to these saucy moves, but we're guessing that at the very least the chipmaker is a little flattered.Read - Nvidia working with PC makers to force Intel to open the Atom platformRead - Nvidia Goes Netbooks: Releases Ion Graphics Platform for Intel Atom
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."
MacBook / MacBook Pro rumor roundup
Well the rumoratti has certainly been working overtime today when it comes to Apple, so we've decided to bundle all the news that's currently doing the rounds into one tasty and nutritious post.First up, there are new -- and quite detailed -- pictures out of what appears to be those MacBook and MacBook Pro casings we saw during the week. Again, we can't 100 percent confirm that these are the real deal, but they certainly have that Air-meets-MacBook hybrid quality to them that would suggest we're looking at the next iteration of the line.Secondly, Apple has gone and published a support document for the "MacBook/MacBook Pro (Late 2008)" -- which suggests (gasp!) that there might be some late 2008 refreshes in our future. Oh really? Weird. Rounding out the excitement, AppleInsider "confirms" the rumor that the new MacBooks will jettison the integrated Intel graphics which earlier models have used in favor of NVIDIA's MCP79 platform. The GPUs apparently use a new set of GeForce 9300 and 9400 chips that will make previous performance look archaic by comparison. Additionally, according to hotshot Mac rumor specialist Kevin Rose, the new systems will support Blu-ray drives, thus finally allowing you to watch season 4 of Lost the way the lord intended it.As with all rumors, you can never really know which one of these is going to stick, but luckily we won't have to wait very long to get to the bottom of it. In the meantime, feel free to peruse the various links below and soak in the sweet, sweet gossip.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]Read - Leaked MacBook / MacBook Pro casing photosRead - Apple Document Confirms MacBook/MacBook Pro (Late 2008)Read - Apple dumping Intel chipsets for NVIDIA's in new MacBooksRead - Kevin Rose drops MacBook Blu-Ray Rumor at Live Diggnation event
New MacBooks to be based on NVIDIA GeForce 9400 / 9300 chipsets?
With a new MacBook announcement now just days away, speculation is unsurprisingly at a fever pitch as to exactly what Apple has in store, and the folks at PC Perspective have now pieced together a few clues to whet your appetite in anticipation of the big event. Most of those are drawn from mounting evidence from the NVIDIA camp, including the image above that made an appearance on the company's website a few days ago and, most importantly, word that NVIDIA would be releasing its GeForce 9400 and 9300 chipsets based on the MCP79 integrated chipset design on October 15th (conveniently not stepping on Apple's toes the day before). The implication there being that the GeForce chipsets would replace the relatively underpowered integrated Intel graphics on the current MacBooks, with the new MacBook Pros supposedly getting an additional boost from a discrete G92-based mobility GeForce 9600. As PC Perspective points out, if true, that would be quite a coup for NVIDIA, especially considering that it wasn't all that long ago some were talking about it quitting the chipset business altogether.
