The P55 PCH - Platform Controller Hub

So the P55 chipset itself and the Lynnfield processors embargo was lifted. Weirdest thing to see physically the P55 motherboard chipset is just one chip, no more North and Southbridge. Interesting to learn is that the P55 chipset connects to the processor directly through the DMI (Direct Media Interface) bus, and that's different from X58 where it connects directly to the QPI link.

The P55 chip has embedded a lot of goodness in it: we see an all-time first integrated PCIe controller for x16 or two eight-speed PCIe cards, when it comes to input / output capabilities we are talking about support for 14 USB 2.0 ports with integrated USB 2.0 Rate matching hubs, 6 SATA 3.0 Gb/s ports and an integrated Gigabit LAN Ethernet.

The chipset will also supports Integrated Clocking Buffer Through Mode, provides Thermal Sensor Data via SMBUS for discrete Fan Control Solutions and Intel Matrix Storage Technology 9.0. New Intel matrix storage has a new user interface for managing all storage related tasks, support for RAID 0,1,5 and 10, Rapid recover technology.

DDR3 wise 1333 MHz is supported straight out of the box, but running the memory at 1866 MHz or higher should be no issue either. Speaking of memory, with the arrival of Core i7 870, 860 and i5 750 Intel made the decision to go back to a dual-channel memory interface. Don't get too worried here, the controller is so much faster than the old limited FSB based controllers. You'll have 64-bit memory wide controllers which are connected directly with the processors silicon. As a result this design brings a bandwidth utilization of as much as 90%, a nice jump from the FSB based 50-60% utilization for sure.

Right then, for a mATX motherboard which is targeted at PC enthusiasts and hardcore gamers the ASUS Maximus Gene III without doubt has a lot of unique and high-end features to show off. Let's look at the marketing features as supplied by ASUS:

Bearing the Hallmarks of their High-end Heritage
ASUS’ Maximus III Series motherboards are designed to deliver the no-holds-barred gaming performance and gamer-tailored features that have earned ROG its renown amongst gamers. Armed with the best components and top-end technologies, these motherboards ensure users the best possible and most immersive gaming experience on the P55 platform.

Designed for Maximum Immersion
Maximus III Series motherboards are packed with advanced gaming features that deliver the best in-game experience, and give users a decisive edge over their opponents.

GameFirst
A unique traffic shaping technology, GameFirst manages the flow of traffic according to users’ needs so that they can still perform web-based tasks, download and upload files and engage in internet chats while maintaining the low ping times needed to dominate their opponents during online gaming.

Speeding HDD
Utilising a dual channel design, Speeding HDD doubles data transfer rates, slashing game loading and data access times. To enjoy this technology, users simply have to connect two HDDs to the specially-marked SATA connectors on the Maximus III Series motherboard. The drives are set-up automatically—no manual configuration is required.

SupremeFX X-Fi
With its premium components and support for Creative Labs’ acclaimed Crystaliser, CMSS3D and EAX technologies, SupremeFX X-Fi delivers the most realistic and accurate audio in games. This iteration of SupremeFX X-Fi also supports Blu-ray output.

Designed for Maximum Tweakability
Maximus III Series motherboards feature a revolutionary overclocking interface dubbed ROG Connect. ROG Connect enables users to link up to the embedded iROG controller via a separate PC—such as a notebook—connected via a USB cable. This allows users to tune the main system at a purely hardware level in real-time, as well as view POST code and hardware status readouts, on a notebook or netbook.

Designed for Maximum Compatibility
Memory is temperamental and often difficult to tune. ROG Maximus III Series motherboards enable users to easily circumvent potential memory compatibility issues with the inclusion of MemPerfect, a tool that automatically tests, fixes and adjusts memory for the best possible performance. The result is greater system stability, optimised speed and the ability to resolve issues quickly without having to manually perform lengthy memory tests.

Designed for Users with Differing Needs
While both Maximus III Series motherboards feature the same rich complement of features to enhance users’ gaming and computing experience—such as ROG Connect, GameFirst and MemPerfect—they are available in two different form factors to cater to the needs of different users.

The ATX Maximus III Formula is designed for hardcore gamers and performance seekers who demand the very best specifications and superior extensibility. The mATX Maximus III GENE, on the other hand, is designed for case modders and budget-conscious gamers who prefer smaller machines, yet desire the power and features that only ROG can provide.

So as you can observe, next to being a kickass motherboards it has a trick or two more up it's sleeve. Features like a 12-phase power design, PCIe x16 slots for both CrossFire and SLI support, an additional PCIe x4 connection and legacy PCI slot. The board has physical power and reset buttons, 7 SATA-II ports accompanied by the eSATA connector and Gigabit Ethernet., 4 DIMM slots that support DDR3 memory. ASUS dual-channel memory slots support DDR3 memory at speeds of up to 2,133MHz (!), and a built-in SupremeFX X-Fi chip promises some fairly high-end audio. Regardless of trimming down on size, the Maximum III Gene carries a lot of of the high-end features found on the full-fat Maximus III Gene.

What we'll do now is dive into a photo-shoot showing all primary features.