14 DAY TRIAL // Santa Clara, California-based Intel is expected to unveil a new solution that will provide PC users with a choice for a more affordable system platform that offers support for the upcoming Nehalem-based Core i5 processor. Although the exact date of the launch hasn't yet been revealed, motherboard makers are in the process of finalizing the designs on their next-generation P55-based models. Such is the case of DFI, which will roll out its own LANParty UT P55 board, providing users with support for the much anticipated Core i5 processors. Although the board hasn't been finalized, an early sample of its design has already been leaked on the Internet.
According to a recent article on vr-zone, the DFI LANParty UT P55 will provide users with a P55 platform that also brings several new and interesting features. As you will see in the leaked pictures, the board will boast a full digital PWM design and will also feature a slot for NAND flash. Additionally, the motherboard maker will integrate a mini USB port, which will be made available at the IO backpanel. According to the article, DFI will use its Flame Freezer, designed to cool down the board's chipset.
Probably the most interesting features on the upcoming board are the integrated NAND flash slot, which will likely allow computer enthusiasts to install a NAND Flash drive for extra performance, and the mini USB port. Unfortunately, the company hasn't detailed why it decided to integrate the mini USB port solution, but it has said it has something to do with the board's BIOS and that it will enable a breakthrough for motherboard technologies.
We are still some weeks away from the official release of the board, which is expected to happen sometime during the Computex Taipei 2009 computer show. By that time we should also be faced with the first bunch of Intel's Core i5 processors, which will provide customers with an affordable alternative to the high-performance Core i7 CPUs.