Intel's Desktop Chipset Roadmap @ October, 2008

In addition to Intel's October 2008 desktop CPU roadmap, we also managed to get our hands on Intel's internal roadmap for their desktop chipsets. This is the latest roadmap, as of October 2008.

As reported earlier, Intel will be launching the X58 Express chipset together with the new Intel Core i7 processors at 9 am Pacific Time on November 16. It will be paired with the ICH10 or ICH10R south bridges.

There's no exact date yet on the launch of the Intel G41 chipset but its launch is imminent, with manufacturers already announcing G41-based motherboards and systems. The G41 is currently paired with the ICH7 but there is a possibility that Intel may also allow it to be paired with the ICH7R and/or ICH7DH.

The biggest update would be the addition of the Intel P55 Express chipset (codenamed Ibex Peak). It is currently scheduled for launch in the third quarter of 2009, together with the Intel Lynnfield processor (which could be called the Core i5). July was quoted as the most likely month although this is likely to change.

Unlike the soon-to-be-launched Intel X58 Express chipset, the Intel P55 Express is a single-chip solution which does away with the Intel I/O Controller Hub (ICH) chip for good. It boasts these features :

• Supports the Lynnfield and Havendale processors
• Supports 1x16 or 2x8 PCI Express 2.0 slots
• Pin-compatible with future Intel 5-series chipsets
• Integrated clocking buffer through mode
• Provides thermal sensor data via SMBus for discrete fan control solutions
• Supports the Intel Matrix Storage Technology 9.0 (RAID 0/1/5/10)
• Supports the Intel Active Management Technology 6.0
• Supports the Intel Anti-Theft Technology
• Supports the Intel Remote PC Assist Technology
• 14 USB 2.0 ports with integrated USB 2.0 rate matching hubs
• 8 PCI Express 2.0 x1 ports
• 6 SATA 3.0 Gb/s ports
• Integrated Gigabit Ethernet MAC

However, please note that the initial stepping of the P55 Express chipset may not support the Intel Havendale processor. The Intel Havendale processor, which has been rescheduled for a Q1'2010 launch, may require an updated stepping of the P55 Express chipset.

Let's take look at how the P55 Express differs from the X58 Express chipset and older Intel chipsets.

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