Product Brief

Intel® G33 Express Chipset

Intel® G33 Express Chipset

Flexibility and scalability for digital home computing and entertainment

The new Intel® G33 Express Chipset supports Intel’s upcoming

45nm processors. It combines performance with greater energy
efficiency. The Intel G33 Express Chipset enables enhanced
3D and high-definition video technologies for a better end-
user experience.

The Intel G33 Express Chipset

Desktop PC platforms combined with either the Intel® Core™2
Duo or Intel® Core™2 Quad processor, deliver new technologies
and innovating capabilities for digital home consumers. A faster
1333 MHz system bus, DDR3 memory technology and Intel® Intel Fast Memory Access. This updated GMCH also includes
Fast Memory Access (Intel® FMA) deliver increased system support for the next-generation 45nm Intel® Core™ processor
performance for today’s user needs. Lower power consumption family and wider internal data buses that support dual-channel
and Intel® Quiet System Technology (Intel® QST) enable quieter DDR3 memory technology at 1066 MHz (up to 17 Gb/s of peak
systems and innovative form factors. The combination of memory bandwidth in dual-channel interleaved mode).
complementary technologies provides platform scalability.
Innovative I/O technologies speed up application load times, DDR3 Memory
provide data protection, and improve overall system responsive- The Intel G33 Express Chipset supports the new dual-channel
ness. The Intel G33 Express Chipset enables a balanced digital DDR3 memory technology at 1066 MHz while also maintaining
home platform within your home computing environment. support for DDR2 memory. The key advantages of DDR3 are
the higher bandwidth and the increase in performance at a
Intel® Viiv™ processor technology lower power than DDR2. The DDR3 SDRAM devices operating
Intel® Viiv™ processor technology1 is a set of PC technologies at 1066 MHz, offer peak data transfer rates of up to 17 Gb/s
designed for the enjoyment of digital entertainment in the home. (when operated in dual-channel interleaved mode). The Intel G33
Intel G33 Express Chipset has support for Intel Viiv processor Express Chipset operates at a lower memory voltage, resulting in
technology with either the ICH9R or ICH9DH SKUs. approximately 20% lower power consumption and reduced heat
dissipation, but delivers higher bandwidth, faster system perfor-
Faster System Performance mance, and higher performance per watt than its predecessors.2
The Intel® G33 Graphics Memory Controller Hub (GMCH)
incorporates an updated GMCH backbone architecture that
significantly increases overall system performance through
the optimization of available bandwidth with the new 1333
MHz system bus and reduction of memory access latency with
Graphics Enhancements • Intel® Matrix Storage Technology4 (when configured with

The Intel G33 Express Chipset delivers an excellent blend ICH9R I/O controller): Native support of external SATA*

of graphics performance and features to meet mainstream ports (eSATA), combined with Intel Matrix Storage Technology

consumer needs with the new Intel® Graphics Media accelerator (Intel® MST), provides the flexibility to add an external drive

3100 (Intel® GMA 3100). With optimized performance and sup- for increased data storage with up to 6 times faster perfor-

port for Microsoft DirectX* 9.0c, Shader Model 2.0 and OpenGL* mance than USB* 2.0 or Firewire* 4005. Support for eSATA

1.4, Intel GMA 3100 delivers excellent 3D graphics and stunning enables the full SATA interface speed of up to 3 Gb/s outside

graphics responsiveness. Intel GMA 3100 also includes support the chassis. The Advanced Host Controller Interface (AHCI) pro-

for the latest PC operating systems, including Windows Vista*. vides easier expandability with support for eSATA devices and
native hot plug, while boosting boot and multi-tasking per-

Enhanced Video Playback and formance with Native Command Queuing (NCQ). In addition,
Advanced Digital Display Support support for Command Based Port Multipliers, and RAID levels

Intel® Clear Video Technology delivers enhanced high-definition 0, 1, 5, and 10 enable greater reliability for personal data, or

video playback, sharper images, precise color control, and precise maximum storage performance for intensive applications.

color control for a premium visual experience. In addition, Intel Clear • Intel® Rapid Recover Technology: With the ability to instantly
Video Technology provides users with a rich, new media experience boot off a clone, Intel® Rapid Recover Technology (part of Intel
to deliver smooth, stutter free high-definition playback on the PC Matrix Storage Technology) provides a fast, easy to use method
without the need for expensive add-in video cards or decoders. for the end user to recover their data and return their system to
an operational status.
Intel Clear Video Technology allows the PC to connect to a wide
range of digital displays by supporting the latest digital display • Intel® Turbo Memory: The Intel G33 Express Chipset also
interfaces, including the High-Definition Multimedia Interface 3 supports Intel® Turbo Memory (when configured with ICH9R I/O
(HDMI). HDMI carries uncompressed HD video and uncompressed controller), an innovative flash memory-based overall system
multichannel audio in a single cable, supporting all HD formats performance and boot time accelerator. This feature is easily
including 720p, 1080i, and 1080p. The Intel G33 Express Chipset implemented using a PCI-Express x1 module and can be used
supports up to 2048 x 1536 screen resolution at 75 Hz. with any SATA Hard Drive to improve system responsiveness.
Intel Turbo memory enables faster application loading and
Intel® I/O Controller Hub (Intel® ICH9/R/DH) concurrent performance enhancements when used in con­
The Intel® ICH9 I/O controller hub of the Intel G33 Express junction with Intel Matrix Storage Technology4.
Chipset integrates several capabilities to provide flexibility • Intel® Quiet System Technology (Intel® QST): Integrated
for connecting I/O devices. into all the different SKUs of the Intel ICH9, Intel QST can
help reduce system noise and heat through more intelligent
fan speed control algorithms.

Intel® Clear Video Technology

Feature Benefit
Enhanced HD Playback • Dedicated hardware acceleration enables smooth playback of high-bitrate high-definition MPEG2 video
content and multi-stream playback (up to 1 HD and 1 SD stream) for picture-in-picture.
Sharper Image Quality • Adaptive de-interlacing algorithms provide enhanced picture clarity for interlaced content by minimizing
artifacts of interlaced video.
Precise Color Control • Built-in ProcAmp color control settings allow user adjustment of hue, saturation, brightness, and contrast.
Advanced Digital Display Support • Support for the latest digital displays, including the High-Definition Multimedia Interface3 (HDMI), allows a
simple and easy connection between the PC and set-top box, DVD player, and video monitor/DTV.
 Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor
Intel® Core™2 Quad Processor

Display support for 10.6 GB/s

HDMI, DVI, HDCP, MEC, ADD2

Intel® Graphics Media DDR2 or DDR3

Accelerator 3100 with 6.4 GB/s or 8.5 GB/s
Intel® Clear Video G33
Technology GMCH DDR2 or DDR3
6.4 GB/s or 8.5 GB/s
PCI Express 8
x16 Graphics GB/s

2 GB/s DMI
12 Hi-Speed USB 2.0 Ports; 480 Mb/s Intel® High
Dual EHCI; USB Port Disable each x2 Definition Audio

Intel® Quiet System

500 ICH9 Technology
6 PCI Express* x1
MB/s
ICH9DH
ICH9R 3 6 Serial ATA Ports; eSATA;
each x1
Gb/s Port Disable
each
Intel® Integrated
10/100/1000 MAC Intel® Matrix
LPC or SPI Storage Technology
GLCI LCI
Intel® Gigabit LAN Connect BIOS Support Intel® Turbo Memory

Optional

Intel® G33 Express Chipset Block Diagram

Intel® G33 Express Chipset Features at a Glance

Feature Benefit
1333/1066/800 MHz System Bus • Supports the Intel® Core™2 Duo and Intel® Core™2 Quad processors with Intel® Virtualization Technology 6, Dual-Core Intel®
Pentium® processor, and Intel® Celeron® processor.
PCI Express* 1.1 Interface • The PCI Express 1.1 provides 8 Gb/s bandwidth for platform graphics.
Intel® Fast Memory Access • Updated Graphics Memory Controller Hub (GMCH) backbone architecture that improves system performance by optimizing
the use of available memory bandwidth and reducing the latency of the memory accesses.
Dual-Channel DDR2 Memory Support • Delivers up to 12.8 Gb/s (DDR2 800 dual 6.4 Gb/s) of bandwidth and 8 Gb memory addressability for faster system
responsiveness and support of 64-bit computing.
Dual-Channel DDR3 Memory Support • Delivers up to 17 Gb/s (DDR3 1066 dual 8.5 Gb/s) of bandwidth and 8 Gb memory addressability for faster system
responsiveness and support of 64-bit computing.
Intel® Flex Memory Technology • Facilitates easier upgrades by allowing different memory sizes to be populated and remain in dual-channel mode.
Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 3100 • 3D enhancements enable greater flexibility and scalability and improved realism with support for Microsoft DirectX* 9.0c
Shader Model 2.0, OpenGL* 1.4. Intel® Graphics also support the highest levels of the Windows Vista* Aero experience.
Intel® Clear Video Technology • Video processing hardware and software delivers enhanced high-definition video playback, sharper images with adaptive
de-interlacing, and ProcAmp color controls.
Support for High Definition Multimedia • HDMI delivers uncompressed HD video and uncompressed multi-channel audio in a single cable, supporting all HD formats
Interface3 (HDMI) including 720p, 1080i and 1080p.
Intel® High Definition Audio7 • Integrated audio support enables premium digital surround sound and delivers advanced features such as multiple audio
streams and jack re-tasking.
Intel® Matrix Storage Technology4 • With a second hard drive added, provides quicker access to digital photo, video and data files with RAID 0, 5, and 10, and
greater data protection against a hard disk drive failure with RAID 1, 5, and 10. Support for external SATA* (eSATA) enables
the full SATA interface speed outside the chassis, up to 3 Gb/s.
Intel® Rapid Recover Technology • Intel’s latest data protection technology provides a recovery point that can be used to quickly recover a system should
a hard drive fail or if there is massive data corruption. The clone can also be mounted as a read-only volume to allow a
user to recover individual files.
Intel® Turbo Memory • Intel’s innovative NAND cache designed to improve the responsiveness of applications, application load times, and
system boot performance.
Serial ATA* (SATA ) 3 Gb/s • High-speed storage interface supports faster transfer rate for improved data access with up to 6 SATA ports.
eSATA*/Port Multiplier • SATA interface designed for use with external SATA devices. It provides a link for 3 Gb/s data speeds to eliminate bottlenecks
found with current external storage solutions. Intel also supports natively port multipliers. Combining port multipliers, eSATA,
and Intel® Matrix Storage Technology provides great flexibility and expandability for external storage solutions.
SATA* Port Disable • Enables individual SATA ports to be enabled or disabled as needed. This feature provides added protection of data by
preventing malicious removal or insertion of data through SATA ports. Especially targeted for external eSATA ports.
USB* Port Disable • Enables individual USB ports to be enabled or disabled as needed. This feature provides added protection of data by
preventing malicious removal or insertion of data through USB ports.
Intel® Quiet System Technology • Intelligent system fan speed control algorithms use operating temperature ranges more efficiently to reduce system noise
by minimizing fan speed changes.
 For more information, visit the Intel Web site: www.intel.com/products/desktop/chipsets

1
Home networking capability and many Intel® Viiv™ technology-based usage models will require additional hardware devices, software, or services. Functionality
of Intel Viiv technology verified devices will vary; check product details for desired features. System and component performance and functionality will vary
depending on your specific hardware and software configurations. See www.intel.com/go/viiv_info for more information.
2
Performance tests and ratings are measured using specific computer systems and/or components and reflect the approximate performance of Intel products as
measured by those tests. Any difference in system hardware or software design or configuration may affect actual performance. Buyers should consult other sources of
information to evaluate the performance of systems or components they are considering purchasing. For more information on performance tests and on the performance
of Intel products, visit Intel Performance Benchmark Limitations http://www.intel.com/performance/resources/benchmark_limitations.htm.
3
Support for the latest digital display interfaces, including HDMI and DVI, may require the use of a third-party SDVO card with the appropriate drivers installed.
4
Intel® Matrix Storage Technology requires the computer have an MST-enabled Intel chipset, RAID controller in the BIOS enabled and the Intel Matrix Storage
Technology software driver installed. Please consult your system vendor for more information.
5
Performance based on interface speed and data transfer rate specifications for eSATA, USB 2.0 and Firewire 400.
6
Intel® Virtualization Technology requires a computer system with an enabled Intel® processor, BIOS, virtual machine monitor (VMM), and, for some uses, certain
platform software enabled for it. Functionality, performance or other benefits will vary depending on hardware and software configurations and may require
a BIOS update. Software applications may not be compatible with all operating systems. Please check with your application vendor.
7
Intel® High Definition Audio requires a system with an appropriate Intel chipset and a motherboard with an appropriate codec and the necessary drivers installed.
System sound quality will vary depending on actual implementation, controller, codec, drivers and speakers. For more information about Intel® HD audio, refer to
http://www.intel.com/
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