Rumour of X68 board surface

Here’s something that Zol.com.cn claimed to be the new LGA2011 high-end CPU socket that Intel will be launching probably at the end of the year. The three photos were heavily blurred for obvious reasons, and you can’t really say that they’re fake because they do have very unique layout which matches what the site says.

Here’s the thing. The Intel X68 Express will be using new LGA2011, which means bye-bye to X58 and LGA1366. Yes, screw Intel for that. Anyway, they’re going to be offering new high-end and enthusiast-grade processors that feature 6, 8, or 12 cores, and quad-channel DDR3 memory controllers. Yes, quad-channel rams. The LGA 2011 is huge ass, its retention clip looks to be completely detachable by unhooking the retention bars on either sides. The socket seemed to be placed in the middle of the board due to its size, which should provide good clearing for after-market coolers, but still not necessary for such awkward placement.

Also, since the processor has four DDR3 memory channels, there’s room for only one DIMM per channel on a typically-sized ATX motherboard. We can see that there are two DIMM slots on either sides of the socket, which makes it rather awkward, not necessary despite having quad-channel rams. I won’t say they’re pursuing aesthetic look, but it’s hard to say.

With this platform, Intel transferred the North bridge component completely to the CPU package, much like LGA1156/LGA1155. Therefore, the 32-lane PCI-Express controller is housed inside the CPU package. That’s very packed indeed. What remains of the chipset is a PCH (platform controller hub). Like P55/H55/P67/H67, the X68 is a PCH, a glorified South bridge. It will house a smaller PCI-E hub that handles various connectivity devices, a storage controller, a LPCIO controller, USB and HDA controllers, and the DMI link to the processor. We will get to know more about this platform as the year progresses. X58 is using QPI link while P55 and P67 is using DMI, so I’m not sure which Intel is opting, as various sites has stated that this X68 is using DMI link.