Intel next generation architecture “LGA 1366” platform - GIGABYTE X58-EXTREME
 

Still remember LGA 775 architecture is long life product line in Intel products.
After P4 transited to LGA775 about one year, Intel C2D processors become the best selling series and make the LGA775 is hot selling.

Recall my memory, it’s been over 2 years that C2D and LGA775 are announced.
As per Intel behavior, it’s time to change to the new architecture.
Early this year, there are many rumors about LGA1366 chipset and processor. Finally, we could see more detail now.

This time I got is GIGABYTE latest product GA-X58-EXTREME. EXTREME is GIGABYTE new series for Overclockers since P45.

GIGABYTE GA-X58-EXTREME




Left-Down corner
2 X PCIE X16
2 X PCIE X8
2 X PCIE X4
1 X PCI
As usual, Intel X series chipset can support ATI CrossFire.
This time we also heard X58 might support nVIDIA SLI technology.
In the future, we may can see X58 motherboard integrated both GPU features.


Right-Down corner
6 X SATAII(ICH10R)
1 X IDE
EXTREME series have Power/Reset and Debug LED


Right-Up corner
6 X DIMM DDR3, not same as old Intel 4xDIMM design.
In X58, it can support 6x DIMM DRAM slots


Left-Up corner
Even personally I think 4 phase PWM is enough for LGA 775.
This time GIGABYTE uses 6 phase PWM, but not 12 phase with LGA 775.
Does that mean LGA1366 is more power saving?


IO Interface
8 X USB 2.0
2 X RJ-45 LAN
1 X S/PDIF
1 X 1394
Silver button is Clear COMS


GA-X58-EXTREME high texture thermal module




Intel next generation LGA 1366 socket



X58 spec might be changed as final released, ex: 10 SATAII, and more LAN ports, etc. Just wait for the released version.
Even thought I don’t like to change CPU, but LGA has been in the market for 3 years.
If LGA1366 can bring more technologies, higher performance and multi-core/channel system, I am looking forward to it