As usual, Asus was among first to introduce new Intel’s controller logic. A lot of novelties come with new X58 chipset. Still, the most important, worth of mentioning as first, is support for Crossfire and SLI at the same motherboard. Yes, you read it well, and no, we didn’t make a mistake. Finally, we can be “relaxed” in choosing multi GPU graphics subsystem without hassle with motherboard changing. The question is: ATi or NV? Well, it’s all the same as far as support of motherboard for these two standards is concerned!

One more important novelty is triple channel memory controller that is built into CPU (similar to AMD solution, but much more efficient). Triple channel memory controller is in full power when in DIMM slots are installed three RAM modules (or perhaps six). That means that memory will still operate in dual channel mode and single channel mode for memory, only now the memory flow rate will be lower. How effective is Nehalem’s memory controller can be reveled in test result for WinRAR (look at the table).

Of course, there is also new socket that now counts 1366 pins and in construction sense is very similar to good-old LGA775. That also means completely new cooler mounting system and as consequence you cannot use old LGA775 coolers because mounting holes have different configuration.