Chipset-to-graphics performance optimizations don't have to be restricted to games alone, as hidden benefits could include such sneaky things as memory-path optimization. Such tricks would surely show up in applications.

3D Studio Max favours the Intel chipset slightly, or is it the X1950XTX? It seems odd that both the ATI/ATI and Nvidia/Nvidia combinations fall short.

Audio

The 680i SLI wins both audio benchmarks, but doesn't seem to care whether it's using the ATI or Nvidia graphics card.

Video

The P965 Express chipset via MSI's P965 Platinum takes a fairly significant leap in DivX, and retesting proved this lead consistent. Chipset to specific-brand GPU optimizations certainly aren't seen here, as the 8800GTX leads by one second using both ATI and Nvidia chipset motherboards.

P965 Express video encoding domination continues in XviD, with the CrossFire Xpress 3200 lagging, but what about graphics-specific chipset optimizations? Intel favours Nvidia while Nvidia favours ATI, which offers more evidence against graphics-specific chipset optimization.