Intel
X48 chipset will support processors with 1600MHz processor system bus,
support dual-channel PC3-10600 (DDR3 1333MHz) memory with Intel Fast Memory
access, PCI Express 2.0 bus with multi-GPU technology capability and some other
performance improvements, such as flexible overclocking capabilities and extreme
memory profiles (XMP) technology.
X-bit labs learned that Intel has removed support for PC3-12800 (DDR3 1600MHz) memory from the X48 platform and let mainboard makers to decide whether to support it or not. It is not completely clear why Intel decided to scrap "official" support for 1600MHz memory, a speed-bin ratified by JEDEC, but one of the reasons may be an intention to exclude possibilities when mainboard makers, system builders or others declare support for considerably higher DDR3 speed-bins on X48-based products.
The fact that Intel begins to ship its X48 chipset to mainboard makers does not mean that actual platforms based on the new core-logic emerge immediately. While some producers of motherboards may release their Intel X48-based offerings this year, Intel itself plans to start shipments of its Intel Desktop Board DX48BT2 (Bonetrail) only in Q1 2008, but with DDR3-12800 support.
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