Introduction

On 15 Nov 2008, Intel moves forward with a new micro architecture commonly known as Nehalem or Core i7. This new architecture is quite different from the current Core 2 Duo as it integrates the memory controller within the processor just like what AMD does. It also introduces a concept Quick Path Interconnect (QPI), which is quite similar to Hyper transport what you already have on AMD platform. Basically this new concept does away with the North bridge but it still has something known as IOH which connects to CPU via QPI link. Effectively, the bulk of the work now lies with the south bridge ICH10R. QPI can scale up to 25.6GB/sec of bandwidth between Core™ i7 Processors and the rest of the system, providing exactly Double bandwidth of 1600 MHz FSB.

Currently, there are processor models available, models 920 and 940 has a QPI of 4.8GT/s (133 x 36) a Model 965 QPI of 6.3 GT/s (133x48).

This new architecture also increase the system throughput by introducing 3 channels memory architecture. It can take up to 6 DIMMs, up to 2 DIMMs per channel. In addition, Intel Turbo Boost Technology dynamically reroutes power to improve performance. It powers down the idle cores and dynamically reroutes the power to the active cores. Thus it is able to boost their performance without wasting power and allowing the active cores to achieve significant overclock performance.

Gigabyte is one of the first to deliver a board that works with this new processor. The GA-EX58-UD5 is one of the 3 models from the EX58 family that supports this new generation processor.

Currently, this board supports models 920, 940 and 965 and future Intel Core i7 socket LGA1366 processors with QPI 6.4 GT/s. The board Support for 3 channel DDR3 memory with 50% bandwidth increase to 192 bits for ever greater memory performance.

For graphics expansion, it comes wiht 3 Way PCIe 2.0 Graphics Interface. It supports both 3 way CrossFireX and 3 way SLI. The board also comes with 10 SATAII ports with RAID feature without the need for drivers to be install.

The board uses an advanced 12+2+2 Power Design - 12 power phase for CPU vCore, and additional 2 power phases for NB chipset , 2 power phases for memory, ensures extreme overclock ability and longer component lifespan.

In terms of temperature control, the board comes with 8 Layer PCB features 2 OZ Copper Inner
Delivering cooler working temperature, enhanced reliability, and longer durability and high O.C. capabilities. The Precision OV hardware control IC to provide more voltage control and finer steps control for CPU, NB and memory. Ultra TPM (EX58-UD5P only) comes with Industry’s highest level data protection with 2048 bits encryption key .

Other features on board include DualBIOS™ Protection -2 Physical BIOS ROM onboard to provide double protection against virus attack and firmware/ physical damage, Onboard Quick Switch - Power/Reset/CLR CMOS buttons are located directly on board, Unique Dynamic Power LED Indicator Design, GIGABYTE DES Advanced enabled motherboards feature dynamic 6-Gear switching with LED indicating the current active phases, Onboard Debug LED - Display simplifies motherboard troubleshooting.

Below is a picture of the Gigabyte EX58-UD5 running  a pair of AMD Radeon 4850 in CrossFire mode.