Intel with partners will use CeBIT 2007 for official preview of chipsets family bearlake.
Distinguishing features of this chipsets is the support to memory DDR3, the maximum frequency of system bus (FSB) is 1333 MHz, the list of supported processors includes the prepared for release 45- nm model core 2 Duo (Wolfdale) and Core 2 Quad (Yorkfield).
The basic chipset, known under P35, are positioned as the follower to intel 965 Express, and intended for desktop PC mass segment. Motherboard on the base Of p35 will have the high frequency FSB - 1333 MHz - in comparison with 1066 MHz in 965. Furthermore, support to memory DDR3 (frequency up to 1066 MHz) witch allow to increase the systems performance : let us recall, that today p965 are used paired with DDR2, 800 MHz. There is one additional difference in the new memory DDR3 witch is the reduced supply voltage (1,5 v against 1,8 v in DDR2).
Since the delivery of DDR3 do not reach mass production and the prices of this memory are high, intel specialists provided in P35 optional DDR2 support . The motherboard producer will be able to select one of three versions: support only DDR3 (expensive, but maximum performance); support only DDR2 (cheap); to release the hybrid motherboard, which supports DDR3 and DDR2. Although in the third case the memory of different types cannot be used simultaneously, user will obtain the possibility to install first cheaper memory DDR2, and then when DDR3 falls in price – to modernize system by the replacement of memory. in any case the memory DDR 3 have high latency vs DDR2 , and this last can also work @ 1066mhz .But the performance should be in the side of DDR3 in the near future when memory producer will reduce the latency and increase the frequency of this memory.
In sale motherboard on the base Of p35 are expected in April- May. However, we already noted some motherboard models with chipset intel p35 express with support to memory DDR3 .