Intel to Start Shipping P55 Motherboards in July
Seems as though it may be possible that P55 motherboards compatible with Intel's Core i5 CPUs (Lynnfield) may actually start shipping in July.
Core i5 processors are based on the same Nehalem architecture that Core i7 is based upon, but come equipped with integrated dual-channel DDR3 memory controller as well as integrated graphics. The graphics will be based on existing Intel graphics solution, and not Intel's work-in-progress Larrabee.
On that note, many motherboard manufacturers are already showing off samples of LGA 1160 socket based motherboards, anticipating that Intel will begin to ship its LGA1160 CPUs sometime in July. These P55 boards will be the first to support Lynnfield Core i5 CPUs and will support the Clarksdale CPUs as well. This is good news for consumers who want to pinch pennies, as the Corei7s are not flying off store shelves as many have hoped and the cheaper Nehalem more than likely is a better financial choice.
It's speculated that many of these P55 motherboards will make an appearance in the final form at Computex in June, one month before Intel is suppose to release Core i5 CPUs. Of course, Intel may very well push back the release date, thus forcing motherboard manufacturers to do the same, as Intel originally said the chip would launch in late 2009.
Intel is once again launching a product that is not suited for the market, like they did with the i7.
I don't see why their going to so many different socket types on the market.
Intel should just have 1 or 2.
Both MSI and Gigabyte have X58 motherboards for under $250. Actually you can get a motherboard and 6 GB of triple channel RAM for $250-$300 if you check around.
IMHO the problem isn't so much the price to for the components, there are definitely deals out there. The problem is the that the pre-built i7 rigs are not inexpensive. If you could get a pre-built for under a $1000 then the i7 would take off.
On all the Intel roadmaps I can find, your socket will support the next 2 CPUs from Intel. The 32nm Westmere and SandyBridge should both use LGA1366. However LGA775 shows us that just because they are still using that socket, doesnt necessarily mean that it will support the new CPU.
With AMD, I can buy a AM2+ board with a low-end Athlon X2 for < $100. Then, in the future, I can upgrade all the way to a Phenom II, changing nothing but the processor. Intel makes you buy a whole new motherboard AND additional memory to get the triple-channel working. I guess they don't see a need to offer their customers an upgrade path.
It looks like Intel does not wanted its customers to use its motherboard for more than 6 or 12 months! That's a shame.
However, AMD isn't really better because AMD still need to release RD890 and S880 chipsets and they will do it in January 2010.
Maybe Intel is waiting for AMD to catchup or something in 2010 so Intel is not going to be very innovative and releasing tech that will be obsolete soon.