IDF Intel has selected DisplayPort as the standard linkage between its next-generation processors' integrated graphics cores and the host system's screen.

Current CPUs typically use LVDS - Low-Voltage Differential Signaling - to connect screen to GPU, but Intel's PC chip chief, Stephen Smith, said DisplayPort - to be used in its embedded form - is a lower power, less expensive alternative.

For example, DisplayPort uses only five wires to connect up a notebook's screen, whereas LVDS needs 18. DisplayPort also needs fewer pins on the chip.

The 'Sandy Bridge' design detailed at IDF this week was designed primarily for notebooks, but the chip does have an on-board PCI Express controller, so the use of DisplayPort for the laptop display link doesn't force notebook vendors to use the technology for external screens. ®