GMA X3000: Specifications

Dailytech claims to have obtained additional information on the GMA950 successor, a.k.a. X3000. Based on assumption that Apple will massively use this integrated graphical chips in its future entry-level models, we are carefully following specifications/information related to the X3000:

- X3000 will support manageability engine, so one will be able to update the X3000 rendering or capabilities.
- Graphics core frequency should be around 400MHz (quite expected with the FSB800MHz of the Merom)
- T&L (Transform and Lighting) as well as Clipping will now be supported at the hardware level and not via software solution. This will save on memory bandwidth.
- Anisotropic filtering should be able to manage up to 16 sample dynamically.
- Floating point precision moves from 24 bit to 32 bit, and the X300 will support OpenGL2.0.
This integrated graphics unit will not compete with a mid-range graphic cards, but it will add rendering performances that are currently lacking in the MacBook. The X3000 will bring hardware display support for DID, ADD2, MEC and HDMI (TVHD). An important detail to mention, the G965 GMCH chipset that will come with the X3000 features an PCI Express x16, so notebooks based on this Intel architecture could have graphical units options: X3000 or a true third-party GPU as a BTO.
This chipset will appear in Apple notebooks or mac mini powered by Intel Core 2 Duo notebook (a.k.a. Merom), expected to arrive in notebooks in September.