Taiwanese motherboard manufacturer MSI is expected to update its motherboard lineup with the introduction of a new high-end model, designed to provide users with support for Intel's latest generation of computer processors, the Nehalem-based Core i7. However, unlike other MSI Core i7-supporting boards, the new MS-7593 will be designed in a smaller, Micro-ATX form factor, allowing PC vendors and computer enthusiasts to build systems that pack a lot of performance potential inside a small form factor.

 

MSI's current X58-based motherboard lineup is made out of 5 models, the Eclipse SLI, X58 Platinum, X58 Platinum SLI, X58 Pro and the X58 Pro SLI. However, the company is expected to update its X58 offering with the addition of a Micro-ATX board, which will enable users with support for Core i7 processors, Intel's fastest consumer processors to date.

 

The board, which has recently surfaced on Japan-language Pc Online, is not yet ready for release, as the details regarding its cooling solution are yet to be unveiled. However, almost every other part of the board's overall layout appears to have been established. The board seems to boast two PCI-Express 2.0 x16 slots with support for CrossFireX configurations, six memory DIMMs with support for triple-channel DDR3 memory, seven SATA 3.0Gbps connectors, 7.1-channel audio, Gigabit Ethernet and possibly an eSATA connector.

 

The board's official specifications, when it will be released, might be a bit different and possibly enable support for SLI graphics configuration. Unfortunately, there are no specific details regarding the board's pricing and release date, but we will try to keep you up to speed, as soon as the Taiwanese company launches the board.

 

The launch of MSI's first Micro-ATX Core i7-supporting board follows that of ASUS' Ramapage II GENE, which was released back in February. The board was designed specifically for computer enthusiasts, especially since it's part of the company's Rampage series.