MSI P55-GD65

INTRODUCTION

Intel just released the Core i5/i7 1156 socket CPU this month of September, it is only natural for us to see the motherboard manufacturers have a boat load of motherboards for us to choose from. Intel is also promising an affordable socket 1156 CPU for those who are looking to upgrade from the ever ancient socket 775 platform. Today at Bjorn3D we going to look at one of MSI's offerings of the new improved CPU socket 1156.

Ever since I recieved the Core i5 750 CPU (review can be found HERE), I was impressed at the level of performance. This CPU/motherboard combo rivals the performance levels of the more expensive Core i7 920 (review can be found HERE). These new performance grade motherboards are no longer sporting the 3 chip design we've seen in the past. A typical 3 Chip design is a CPU=1, IOH/MCP=2, and South bridge=3. The new 2 chip design consists of Cpu=1, PCH=2. The IOH/MCP have been moved to the CPU for a much lower latency access for the PCI-E lanes and memory. The south bridge has been updated to a much more powerful newer design, named the PCH.

Enough chit chat, lets go see what the MSI P55-GD65 motherboard can do.