I was reading some info about the new P67 chip set for the Sandy Bridge architecture. Tom and the guys probably know a lot more. However, from what I've read, it seems they place the system clock on the new chip set. This made the upgrade path for the 1156 CPU's impossible. Also, with the new P67 chip set they were able to take advantage of both lanes of the PCIe at 16 bits instead of 8 and 8. Also allows proper support for USB 3.0 and SATA 6Gb/s. Maybe if they moved the system clock off the P67 chip set they could have allowed folks to keep some of their older architecture (1156 CPUs) until the consumer was ready to upgrade. That meant they could use the New USB and fast SATA devices (at full speed) while utilizing the 1156 CPUs.
I understand that Intel is fixing some limitations of the old P55 architecture but are alienating folks in the process. I typically run my rigs until I can't get sufficient processing either through upgrades or overclocking. This way I can put off spending my hard earned cash for a few years before obsolescence. Now, this new rig has little chance for longevity as I no longer have an upgrade path for the CPU. So my system is as fast and maxed out as it can get.
I like the new architecture however, it seems to have some limitations as well. My issues is, does Intel have a new chip set Pxx just waiting around the corner to take care of the P67 issues? IF so willthey announce it right on the heals of the P67 release? I know they plan to release the 2xxx series MB's to replace the 1366. However, it looks like these will not be available until later on in the year.
Either way I'm always up for better as long as the new stuff doesn't cost so much I can't afford it. I would love to see more games optimized for 64 bit multi-threaded hardware & OS.
Just my 2 cents ....
