Performance for users on a budget

Feb 2, 2009 07:49 GMT  ·  By

Despite the fact that Intel's latest-generation Nehalem-based platform offers the highest level of performance currently available on the market, most users will find it difficult to upgrade, due to the high price tag of these components. However, MSI might have a product that will potentially help those who want to upgrade their desktop rig to Intel's latest generation of hardware components. The company has just launched a new motherboard that will provide users with an X58-based mobo carrying a sub-$200 price point.

 

The board is yet to make its debut on the company's website, but it appears that it has already been listed on the website of an online retailer for just $189.99. Dubbed X58 Pro, it appears to be providing most of the features that are available on other X58-based boards, offering users a chance to step-up to Intel's Core i7 processors and the latest DDR3 memory, for a higher level of performance.

 

Spec-wise, the X58 Pro is equipped with no less than three PCI-Express 2.0 X16 graphics slots, with support for ATI's multi-graphics CrossFireX technology. MSI is still to reveal the official details, but currently the board doesn't appear to show any love to NVIDIA's SLI technology, unlike other X58-based motherboards. Aside from that, you will get one eSATA and seven SATA 3.0Gbps ports with support for RAID 0/1/5/10, with 7.1 channel audio and Gigabit Ethernet.

 

In addition to the usual technical specifications, generally available with most X58-based products, the new X58 Pro from MSI will also be featuring some of MSI's well-known technologies, such as the second-generation DrMOS. This technology is meant to provide users with a higher power efficiency and extra low working temperatures, enabling an easier overclocking.