NVIDIA returns to IGP chipsets with GeForce 6100/nForce 400

NVIDIA has jumped out of the integrated graphics processor chipset market a few years ago with the nForce 2 and today they return by launching the new GeForce 6100 Northbridge along with the NVIDIA nForce 400 MCP southbridge. This chipset features GeForce 6 series graphics features and supports DirectX 9, SM3 and NVIDIA's PureVideo technology.

GeForce 6100 powered motherboards for AMD64 processors will soon be available from Asus, Biostar, Chaintech, DFI, ECS, Epox, Foxconn, Gigabyte, Jetway, MSI and Shuttle.

Features:

Deliver high-definition video playback and output to high-definition televisions

Leverage the GeForce6 graphics core that supports both Microsoft DirectX 9.0 and Shader Model 3 (SM3.0)

Provide other important digital media functionality, including secure networking and secure storage, features important to today's mainstream users

NVIDIA claims the GeForce 6100 and nForce 400 are ideal for motherboard, global OEMS and system builders to create affordable, flexible and innovative solutions for a variety of PC platforms, including Microsoft Media Centers. In addition, system builders and OEMs can promote their systems as being "HD Ready" by integrating DVI and component outputs directly on the PC for hassle-free connection to a high definition display or television.

"Over the last few years, our discrete NVIDIA nForce products have completely redefined the high-end enthusiast space, allowing us to achieve a significant market share position, but with this new product introduction we are focused on an equally important segment -- the integrated mainstream market serviced most commonly with PC OEMs and system integrators," said Drew Henry, general manager of platform product at NVIDIA. "We are confident that our new NVIDIA nForce 400 series of MCPs combined with our new GeForce 6100 series of GPUs will provide the only viable foundation for powering today's digital media and high-definition video-centric PC platforms."

Update: Some more information about the GeForce 6100 and also the GeForce 6150 chipset can be found here.