14 DAY TRIAL // With each passing day, we are getting closer to the official unveiling of Intel's next-generation Core i7 processors, developed using the Nehalem architecture to deliver a never before seen performance level. Given all this anticipation, it’s only understandable why motherboard makers are lining up their own X58-enabled Core i7-supporting platforms, with which they hope to attract the attention of all computer enthusiasts out there who are craving for just a bit more performance juice.
Taiwanese manufacturer MSI is actually quite anxious about the upcoming Intel CPUs, which is why it has made the final steps towards announcing the first motherboards ever to support the LGA1366 processor socket. The design of one of the company's mobos had already been leaked on the Internet, but now we have even more than that, as an entire slide, showing three new X58-based mobos, has just popped up.
As it turns out, MSI will be providing its customers with a complete offer of X58 motherboards, designed for the Performance, Enthusiast and Overclocking range of users. In addition, the slide also reveals the names and the included features of the upcoming mobos.
The Performance-rated model is going to be dubbed X58 Platinum, while the Enthusiast version comes to support Core i7 CPUs, like the Eclipse. The Overclocking-rated model is yet to receive a name but, unlike the other two, this “Uber-Overclocker” will deliver support for NVIDIA's SLI technology, in addition to the native support for ATI's CrossFireX multi-card setups.
The SLI-supporting “Uber-Overclocker” is going to be built using the nForce 200 chip, and will provide an impressive four PCI-Express x16 graphics slots, enough to set up a real high-end desktop gaming rig. Aside from that, all the upcoming models will feature MSI's DrMOS and Active Phase Switch, while the two more expensive versions also boast D-LED2, GreenPower Genie and the PCI x1 X-Fi Extreme sound card.