Sprinkle 1/2 cup almonds on bottom of greased 10-inch tube pan. Set aside remaining almonds and chocolate chips. Measure remaining ingredients into mixer bowl. Blend, then beat at medium speed 4 minutes. Stir in chips and almonds. Pour into pan, bake at 350° for 70 minutes, or until cake begins to pull away from sides of pan. Do not underbake. Sprinkle top with powdered sugar and serve with whipped topping.