Intel Core i5 750 & Core i7 860/870 Review --- TheThirdMedia Hardware

Intel P55 Express Chipset

Below is the block diagram for the Intel P55 Express chipset that support the Lynnfield processors. As the diagram shows, the memory and graphics controllers are now handled by the processor. While dual-GPU configurations (both NVIDIA SLI and ATI CrossFireX but as usual, certification is required for NVIDIA SLI) are supported on the Lynnfield and P55 Express, there are some limitations compared to that on the previous Core i7 chipset, the X58 Express. Namely, when two graphics cards are installed, the available PCIe lanes for each is in a x8/x8 configuration and not the full x16/x16. (A single GPU of course will be able to use the full 16 lanes for itself). For most mainstream to performance GPUs, this shouldn't be an issue, since they won't ever need all that bandwidth. Even for high-end needs, it's not going to be a world of difference.

The shift of the controller to the processor explains why Intel was able to go with a single chip design for the P55 chipset. With support for six SATA ports, HD audio and Gigabit Ethernet, it's all very ordinary so far. The number of USB ports has increased slightly to 14 from the 12 on the Core i7's X58 Express chipset but unfortunately, those hoping for the next-gen SATA 6 Gbit/s interface will be disappointed that they won't be making an appearance just yet. Perhaps expect later motherboard revisions from the usual suspect to sport this feature. Finally, we also see how DMI is now the path for communication between the chipset and the Lynnfield processor.

Block diagram of the new Intel P55 chipset, now a single chip design.

The Intel Desktop Board DP55KG Extreme Series

For brevity sake, we'll refer to the board as the "Intel DP55KG". It is but one of four Intel P55 Express motherboards available (the others are the DP55SB, DP55WG and DP55WB) from the vendor for Lynnfield, including two mATX variants (DP55SB and DP55WB). Except for the mATX DP55WB, all these boards support DDR3-1600MHz memory and will come with dual-GPU support. You can expect most of the features listed in the P55 Express chipset to make its way to most of these boards.

For the DP55KG, there are additional features to justify its flagship status, like LED indicators, an extra secondary SATA controller that increases the total number of SATA ports to eight and a handy BIOS reset switch at the rear panel. There's even an integrated Bluetooth module, which is usually not a standard feature on motherboards.

Some information about the chipset and motherboard.

Intel's reference DP55KG (codenamed Kingsberg).

Of course, the new socket LGA1156 means that a compatible cooler is required for the Lynnfield processor. The socket itself is fairly simple to install, with a straightforward lever and locking mechanism while notches on the processor ensure that mistakes are unlikely - similar to both LGA775 and LGA1366. Third party vendors have been preparing LGA1156 coolers and universal coolers that support a variety of sockets are already in the wild.

As expected, there are no legacy I/O connectors on this P55 motherboard. eSATA and USB ports are the way to go. And we mean lots of USB ports here, as the P55 can support up to 14 with its two independent EHCI controllers. Intel is even keeping up with the times with a button at the back to reset the BIOS.

This is the new LGA1156 socket, which uses a slightly different locking mechanism from the LGA1366.

In this open position, we have placed the Core i7-870 into the socket, aligning the two notches on the sides of the CPU with the socket.

The processor installed securely, with the lever held in place.

It's back to the more familiar dual-channel memory configuration and you can expect retail P55 motherboards to have a minimum of two DIMM slots, unless they are micro ATX versions.

Another sign that the P55 is geared for the mainstream is the fact that it only supports a maximum of two graphics card in CrossFire or SLI mode. Also, when two cards are installed, they are both running at x8 each.

Intel has included POST code LED indicators to help users when troubleshooting is required.

The P55 PCH only provides a maximum of six SATA 3.0Gbps ports (unfortunately no next-gen SATA support yet). The remaining two come from a secondary SATA controller.

A nod for users who love to set up their systems to dazzle the eyes.

The skull head LEDs in action!

Another interesting feature on the DP55KG is this onboard Bluetooth module, not something that we find too often on motherboards.



	TheThirdMedia Hardware → Other HD Guide → Other HD Article > Intel Core i5 750 & Core i7 860/870 Review