It seems as though intl is running into a slew of snags as they attempt to push out their Sandy Bridge-E processors and their accompanying X79 chipset motherboards. While it was previously thought that the Sandy Bridge-E processors would not be available until at least Janruary 2012, VR-Zone is reporting that the CPUs may actually be out in time for Christmas this year; however, they will have a reduced feature set. The X79 chipset that powers the Sandy Bridge-E processors will also be released with a reduced feature set. While Intel may reintroduce the removed features in later iterations of the silicon, the first run components will have PCI-Express 3.0 and four SATA/SAS 6Gbps ports removed. Further, Intel is waiting an extra CPU revision until it begins shipping the procesors out to board partners for their testing; the C-1 stepping instead of the C-0.
In the case of PCI-E 3.0 support, Intel has had trouble testing their engineering silicon with PCI-E 3.0 cards and is not confident enough to integrate it into their production chips at this time. due to the lack of widely available PCI-E 3.0 add-in cards, support for the standard is not that large of a loss in the short twrm but will certainly affect the component’s future proofing value. The removal of the SATA ports is due to issues with storage that have yet to be detailed.
While new technology is always welcome, one cant help but feel that delaying the new processors and motherboards until the silicon is ready (and containing the planned features) may be better for consumers. The board and investors likely do not agree, however. In any case, Sandy Bridge-E and X79 are coming, it is just a question of how they come.
Does anyone not proof read
Does anyone not proof read the articles posted? This article has several typos that should’ve been fixed before the article was posted. It’s a shame that intel felt the need to release the sandybridge-e processor and x79 chipset with reduced features instead of waiting until 2012 to bring them out.
To be totally honest, I don’t
To be totally honest, I don’t think this is a completely poor decision. Ever since the release of Sandy Bridge CPUs, consumers in the top-end gaming segment have been in a pickle. No one wants to build a x58 chipset PC because it will soon be outdated by SB-E. On the other hand, many people are reluctant to build a gaming PC using a 2600k because the currently released SB processors will become middle of the line options when SB-E is released, and then they will be the last-gen, low-end processors with the die shrink that is Ivy Bridge. A whole year “stuck in limbo” without a viable alternative from AMD frustrates many enthusiasts, and this is just the solution we need.
Personally- I think it’s
Personally- I think it’s bluff. After what they just went through with SB earlier this year and (especially) if Bulldozer disappoints- they have no reason to push the schedule.
I think Bulldozer is gonna be
I think Bulldozer is gonna be alright, as long as its “good enough” ill be happy.
I think it makes a lot of
I think it makes a lot of sense to go forward without delay if and only if a stable and reasonable representation of the new Sandy Bridge-E platform’s prowess can be made. Although it might be wise to to change the name of the chipset and make clear the omission of PCIe 3.0. In other words make every effort to make known the changes and omissions.
If Intel had the chance to correct the P67 chipset before it’s launch it would have been great as well but simply dropping the spec (affected SATA ports) would have worked too.
With Bulldozer on the way Intel may need to get something out the door and as long as it can be done in a responsible competitive way it’s all good IMO.
Anyway this seems similar to the P67 / Z68 chipset if you don’t look too hard at the PCI-e 3. Omission. It seems as if it pays to wait for a better platform.
I’ll be waiting for the more feature rich version in 2012,…..or at least I’ll try.
According to this article it
According to this article it looks like the Intel Sandy Bridge-E processors coming in for Christmas would have reduced features. Technology fans would be glad the Intel creation is released but could be upset that the functions are reduced. Who knows some may have hopes of having this tech product under the Christmas tree as a present?
Alex – http://www.scottishchristmastrees.co.uk