Nvidia is gaining an upper hand in the contract manufacturing sector with Compaq Computer announcing that it will adopt the chip designer’s Advanced Micro Devices (AMD)-based nForce core logic chipsets for its “Presario” desktops. Nvidia’s clients that have introduced nForce boards, such as Asustek Computer and Micro-Star International (MSI), are now hopeful candidates for Compaq’s motherboard supply.
Compaq plans to pair the nForce chipsets with AMD’s Athlon XP processors, ranging from the Model 1600+ to 2100+, for its Presario 6000 and Presario 8000 desktop lines. The new desktops will be sold at US$799-1,099. The mid-range prices suggest that Nvidia has also started lowering its chip prices to win OEM orders.
|