Intel to Start Shipping P55 Motherboards in July

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Seems as though it may be possible that P55 motherboards compatible with Intel's Core i5 CPUs (Lynnfield) may actually start shipping in July.

Core i5 processors are based on the same Nehalem architecture that Core i7 is based upon, but come equipped with integrated dual-channel DDR3 memory controller as well as integrated graphics. The graphics will be based on existing Intel graphics solution, and not Intel's work-in-progress Larrabee.

On that note, many motherboard manufacturers are already showing off samples of LGA 1160 socket based motherboards, anticipating that Intel will begin to ship its LGA1160 CPUs sometime in July. These P55 boards will be the first to support Lynnfield Core i5 CPUs and will support the Clarksdale CPUs as well. This is good news for consumers who want to pinch pennies, as the Corei7s are not flying off store shelves as many have hoped and the cheaper Nehalem more than likely is a better financial choice.

It's speculated that many of these P55 motherboards will make an appearance in the final form at Computex in June, one month before Intel is suppose to release Core i5 CPUs. Of course, Intel may very well push back the release date, thus forcing motherboard manufacturers to do the same, as Intel originally said the chip would launch in late 2009.

Source : http://www.tomshardware.com/news/Int...ards,7180.html

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Core i5 isn't necessarily a new term floating around the Internet, however lately there's been quite a bit of talk about the "Core i7 lite," and now there's a motherboard to support it.

Earlier this week, we reported that P55 motherboards compatible with Intel's Lynnfield CPUs (aka Core i5) may actually start shipping in July, and sure enough, Gigabyte's GA-IBP made a grand appearance at CeBIT this afternoon, months ahead of June's Computex "big reveal" as we originally predicted. In comparison to the meatier Core i7, the Core i5 serves as a cheaper, "lite" alternative for consumers wanting plenty of power but need to pinch pennies.

According to Engadget, on-hand gigabyte representative were tight-lipped about the specifics of the GA-IBP motherboard, saying that many of the details were still under an NDA. Additionally, Intel's booth proved just as uninformative, claiming that no Core i5 prototypes were available at the show. Still, after recent reports circulating about possible Core i5 boards shipping soon, it's good to actually see the physical product.

Gigabyte actually did post a few details next to the motherboard at the show, revealing that the GA-IBP offers dual channel DDR3, ATI CrossFireX and Nvidia SLI support, and Blu-ray playback supported by high quality 106dB SNR ALC8898 HD audio. Gigabyte's board also features an on-board 2-gigabyte Ethernet LAN connection with Teaming functionality as well as Power/Reset/Cir CMOS onboard buttons for easy workbench operations.

If all goes according to plan, look for both the processor and motherboard to hit the market in July.

Photo courtesy: Engadget

Source : http://www.tomshardware.com/news/gig...oard,7210.html