Incoming graphics and processors

Intels new chips will be dual core 65nm parts featuring EM64T, VT, EIST, and XD.

• EM64T adds 64-bit support and is the Intel equivalent of AMD64.
• VT stands for Virtualization Technology and provides hardware level support for running multiple OSes concurrently on a single computer.
• EIST or Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology, allows the processors to throttle down to lower clock speeds and voltages when idle and thus conserve power.
• XD provides some protection against buffer overflow attacks, again matching up to AMD's NX (No-eXecute) technology.

With Geforce 7800 GTX 512 coming in the month change, Nvidia claims it to be 33% faster than Geforce 7800 GTX (256) due to faster memory (850mhz, 1.7ghz effective) and core clock (550mhz) speeds.

ATI R580 codenamed Rodin is rumored to be working and tested in-house since july this year, and is expected to be released in the early 2006. Although it's still manufactured using a 90nm technology, rumors says it may be up to 3 times faster than the R520 (Radeon X1800). ATI is also planning a transfer to 80nm technology with the low- and mid-segment chips RV560, RV505 and RV535, due for a release in late Q2 2006.