CES 2012: Behold, 8-Core Xeon E5 Powers a LAN Party Machine

Looks like all those rumors about Intel's 8-core server chips being supported by desktop motherboards were true after all.

Even though Intel hasn't officially validated the latest Xeon units on consumer motherboards, the ASUS ROG Rampage IV has still been demonstrated running the mighty Xeon E5 8-core unit.

Naturally, CES 2012 was the proving ground (as reported by VR-Zone) and, to make things even more interesting, the system was crammed inside a small Thermaltake case for LAN party machines.

The chip was just an engineering sample, but there is no reason the Xeon E5/SNB-EP won't be able to work just as well when it comes out.

Needless to say, if the Intel Xeon chip really does turn out to be fully compatible with consumer motherboards, much overclocking will ensue.

Now we just have to wait and see what sort of price the chip is landed with.