The code-named Bearlake-X chipset that will replace the Intel 975X from the top in the Q3 2007 will support PCI Express 2.0 bus with higher - 5.0GHz - clock-speed compared to current 2.5GHz, two PCI Express x16 lanes, dual-channel PC2-6400 (DDR2 800MHz) and PC3-10600 (DDR3 1333MHz) memory. Other members of the Bearlake family will also support central processing units (CPUs) with 1333MHz PSB, but they may not necessarily support multi-GPU capabilities as well as PC3-10600 (DDR3 1333MHz) memory, limiting maximum memory speed to PC3-8500 (DDR3 1066MHz)

The Bearlake chipsets will feature ICH9 input/output controllers (I/O controllers), which are also referred to as south bridges, will provide improved network controller that will rely on microprocessor less than predecessors, support hardware-based firewall, but will lack PS2 and LPT ports used today to connect keyboards, mice, printers, scanners and some other peripherals. Meanwhile, the ICH10 will include Wi-Fi controller, which is currently recommended for advanced platforms by Intel."

Most gamers probably won't care that Intel will be getting rid of that ugly pink port in the back of their computers, but many business and IT related tasks still utilize the port today. It isn't surprising at all though since many mid to high end motherboards have recently shipped without the port and instead focused on adding additional USB, Firewire ports as well as fans and LCD displays which may prove more useful nowadays.