Users installing Mac OS X Leopard this past weekend observed that the software included a full set of drivers for Intel's GMA X3100 integrated graphics chipset, which is only supported by notebook-based logic-board designs conforming to the chipmaker's relatively new Santa Rosa platform.
While Apple adopted the Santa Rosa platform as part of its most recent MacBook Pro refresh, those machines forgo Intel's integrated graphics chips for more powerful and dedicated offerings from Nvidia. Instead, the Mac maker has thus far reserved use of Intel's integrated graphics chipsets for its consumer-oriented MacBook family due to their lower cost (and weaker performance).
According to Intel, the GMA X3100 aims to boost 3D performance on systems where dedicated graphics would be too costly or space-consuming. In comparison to the GMA 950 graphics used in today's MacBooks (and Mac minis), the new chipset employs more advanced pixel and vertex shaders, hardware transform and lighting acceleration, and better video decoding.
Historically, Apple has not included drivers for unsupported or unreleased hardware with its standard operating system distributions, leading to speculation that MacBooks will see a near term upgrade to the Santa Rosa architecture.
Meanwhile, several Windows-based notebook makers have been using the GMA X3100 in their own offerings since the chipset was first introduced along with Santa Rosa back in May.
42 Comments
Perhaps it's for AppleTV2 compatibility?
Anybody know how powerful this card is? It would be great if anybody could find any chart comparisons with other options...I couldn't find any. Anything is probably an upgrade from the 950 at least...
I hope this is so, a new Second Life etc. capable MacBook out soon will be ideal timing for Xmas shopping market and boost AAPL further still.
Perhaps it's for AppleTV2 compatibility?
That would be nice considering the AppleTV uses Pentium-M technology. If they use Santa Rosa that would be a huge leap.
Speaking of leopard and macbooks, has anyone had an install problem where it says "you need to change your install settings....." then it asks you to reformat?
one of the guys in my wing is having this problem and asked me for help, but I really don't know why...
His Macbook is formatted correctly already...