In their article, ASUS P5E3 Deluxe: X38 and DDR3 arrives... almost, Anandtech takes an early look at a new motherboard from Asus based on the x38 shipset from Intel with ddr3 memory. Due to some quality testing issues the x38 isn't ready for broad release right now and has been pushed back to mid October so this article isn't based on the final product, merely a mostly final product.

Whats impressive is the performance gains ddr3 has made. Before there was little reason to buy it but this board is showing improved performance compared to ddr2. 

You heard it hear folks, AMD WILL add the triple core processors to its desktops. They will be branded Phenom and launch in the first quarter of 2008. Now, whats interesting is that there are no plans to change the launch date of the quad core Phenom's, so evidently these will be working side by side with the triple core processors.

New workstation boads from Asus are kind of like Mercedes Benz announcing a new flagship sedan. These serious machines are way to pricey for mere mortals like you and I but they provide levels of performance and reliablity that can not be found anywhere else.

 Having said that, you'll be glad to know Asus is making a new workstation board, the P5NT WS which is built on the Nvidia nForce 680i LT SLI chipset and supports Intel LGA775 socket series CPUs. The motherboard can support two Nvidia SLI graphics cards with dual x16 speeds and is also Quadro certified, according to Nvidia. Processor will be your favorite flavored 775 processor which includes the wonderful Core 2 Quad. 

 A particularly intering feature is the addition of one PCI-X slot for those who are playing with serious raid cards. At least, thats what I'd use it for. Having a nice complement of PCI, PCI-X and PCI-E will put this board among a short list of similiarly featured boards. 8 Phase power, HD audio, gigabit lan and an overclocking friendly design will round out the features. 

 And, for the price, you ask? Asus isn't saying but you can bet it will run you about as much as a very nice car payment or the newest iPhone.

So, Intel recently met with some key folks and talked a bit about wut the Viiv and vPro brands weren't doing as well as they could. The analysts said 'its because you don't have CORE in the names'. So, Intel figured on changing all that with a completely new naming structure for all their products.

Well, thats was before the 'market' got a hold of this plan. Once they did the response was such that Intel scrapped the whole plan. Version 2.0 is to rename just the Viiv and vPro brands to Core 2 Viiv and Core 2 vPro which will enable them to completely take over the world. Soon, we'll be driving our Honda Core 2 Viiv's and Toyota Core 2 vPro's. Unless you can't afford it, in which case you'll have to drive the Chevy Athlon XP.

 According to Digitimes, "Intel responded to this report by saying that it continually reviews its product brand roadmap to best meet the needs of customers and the company's overall business objectives, however, it does not have any specific announcements to make at this point."

 We can figure on seeing the new naming structure around the first of the year. 

so, it looks like Intel will be delivering its x38 motherboard chipset very shortly. So, it wouldn't be too much of surprise to see early motherboards in the next couple of weeks with the mature, overclocking boards just a bit behind the first round.

Read on for a bit more information on the new chipset and why you want one instead of a 680i or x35 based board.