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Rounding out the features of the SSP/IGP is one of the big features, Dual DDR. Much like TwinBank of yesteryear, this time around, the goal of DualDDR is to increase memory bandwidth, while at the same time lowering latency. Taking the TwinBank architecture as a model, they've redesigned it to make use of two 64-bit memory controllers resulting in a 128-bit setup. Let's take a look at how nVidia breaks it down...
Lower Latency: Although DualDDR is effectively a 128-bit interface, you have to remember that we're talking about two 64-bit controllers. nVidia refers to the controllers as "independent, complementary, and intelligent". What you need to know is the memory controllers are designed to help one another out. For example: The first controller can be gathering information, while the second controller is publishing it. Basically, both hands are working independently of one another, while still working towards the same end result. Therefore, latency is effectively cut in half. This is also where the Dynamic Adaptive Speculative Processor (DASP) we talked about earlier can come into play to complement the controllers. There isn't much documentation on this feature outside of what I explained previusly, but in nVidia's DualDDR whitepapers, the DASP has been "re-architected with a more aggressive algorithm".
High Memory Bandwidth: With support for DDR400, there's a lot of memory bandwidth for the nForce2 to play with. Consider that with dual 64-bit controllers, each handling a bank of DDR400, we're talking about up to 6.4GB/sec of bandwidth. Before you get overly excited, we've mentioned in our Crucial DDR333 review that the Athlon family of processors are only capable of 2.1GB/sec of bandwidth, since it only rides the 133MHz bus. For the KT333, a lot of the bandwidth got wasted, and the same may hold true for the nForce2. However, nVidia is aware of this, and designed the nForce2 to work a little differently. The CPU bus, DDR, and AGP can operate asynchronously of one another. In other words, everyone has their own line, and doesn't have to wait for the other to complete their task before it's their turn.
In reality, it's unlikely we'll see huge gains, outside the expected improvements of DDR400, when using the standard SPP. The extra bandwidth will likely come in handy for the IGP, as with more memory bandwidth available, the better the performance.
DualDDR will be able to address up to 3GB of memory. You'll be able to mix and match DIMMs, although it will adjust itself to what your ram can handle. It will require two DIMMs to be used though if you want access to both memory controllers. As for those of you who've stockpiled on the DDR266 and DDR333, don't worry, support will still be there.
The Media & Communications Processors (MCP & MCP-T)
Where the SPP/IGP is the Northbridge, the MCP is nVidia's Southbridge. Like most Southbridges, the MCP will handle all "lower" level I/O functions.
However, the MCP-T isn't something that should be taken too lightly. It offers the same functionality as the MCP, and has features that makes a mockery of other traditional Southbridges. Like most, Ethernet 10/100 support, USB 2.0, ATA133, and AC'97 Audio are included, but the more impressive features are found in the MCP-T...
DualNet Architecture: The original nVidia ethernet controller returns with some help by 3Com. Whereas the first controller is integrated on-chip, you gain access to the 3Com NIC. What this allows for is two NICs to be present on the motherboard which is going to come into play for those who wish to use Microsoft's Internet Connection Sharing. Although this makes for an easy home network setup, I question the need since home cable/dsl routers are so cheap, and the "primary" PC with the MCP-T Southbridge will need to be powered on for other computers to access the Internet.
Firewire Support: For digital camera and film buffs, Firewire makes it's debut on the nForce. This, along with all the other multimedia aspects of the nForce technology, will work towards nVidia's goal of an entertainment hub powered by nForce. Although support is somewhat shrinking, thanks to USB 2.0's emerging popularity, the addition of Firewire may sit well for A/V junkies.
Audio Processing Unit (APU): The APU remains unchanged from the previous MCP found in the original nForce. What makes the APU uniques is it's Dolby certification. Like before, the MCP-T will provide true 5.1 stereo surround sound, doing the Dolby Digital encoding all in hardware. You also have Direct X Audio support, and support for up to 256 hardware-processed audio streams, and 64 hardware voices in 3D.
Did I mention this is all done in hardware? Let's see other integrated sound, let alone stand alone sound cards do all that. The end result is extremely high quality sound, with a minimal-to-no hit on the CPU. Keep in mind that although the nForce will output Dolby Digital 5.1, you'll still need either an amplifier that supports Dolby Digital 5.1 decoding or amplified speakers.
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