Motherboard makers wait for release of fast Intel 3D graphics chip

Intel has launched the 440LX AGPset, a chip-set aimed at improving graphics on a PC by making full use of the new Pentium II processor.

Several Hong Kong original equipment manufacture motherboard makers, however, are delaying their products while they wait for Intel to deliver its own graphics chip for the first time.

Consumers who buy a Pentium II-equipped PC may not experience greater performance until Windows 98 is released next year.

Accelerated graphics port (AGP) technology could increase 3D-graphics speed by up to three times. However, most of its features are not exploited by Windows 95.

Henry Quan, vice-president of marketing for ATI Technologies, a graphics board manufacturer said: 'You'll get some benefit immediately from AGP. But it will really require the software to support and that's expected to come next year. That's when AGP becomes a mainstream product.' Partially as a result, SAR motherboard makers are delaying the release of some products.

Anders Cheung, president of the QDI group of Legend Holdings, said his firm had four motherboards designed for the AGP chip-set. QDI is holding three of them back until Intel's graphics chip is available.

Code-named Auburn, Intel's graphics chip primarily will compete with S3, which makes more than 50 per cent of graphics chips worldwide.