ECS PN1-SLI2 Intel 590-SLI Extreme Motherboard

Introduction:

   Nvidia developed the 590-SLI Chipset with both Intel and AMD in mind. It's nice to see that nVidia can play nice with others by providing a chipset that is capable of supporting both of the largest processor makers in the world and still release some of the fastest video cards ever. Many of the features are exactly the same aside from any extra features each motherboard maker chooses to implement such as integrated High Definition Audio.

   We've reviewed, and owned quite a few AMD 590-SLI combinations especially when AMD was on top of the performance charts. Now that the tide has changed we find ourselves working with more and more Core 2 Duo platforms. ECS Elitegroup is one such manufacturer to provide motherboards for AMD and Intel using the versatile 590-SLI Chipset. The recently reviewed KN3-SLI2 is their flagship AMD AM2 platform, while the PN1-SLI2 Intel 590-SLI Extreme steps up for the Intel LGA 775 processors. We've seen ECS's AMD platform at work and now it's time to check out their Intel support.


Features and Specifications:

• Core 2 Duo Processor Support

• Supports 1066MHz Front Side Bus Core 2 Processors

• Overclocking Support up to 1.2GHz FSB

• 32/64-Bit Kernel Support

• 4DDR2 DIMM 667MHz Dual Channel

• Dual PCI-E X16 Graphics Support

• 8 Channel DVD Audio for Home Theater Experience

• SATA2 300MB/s N-ports for all future S-ATA Devices

Specifications:

   This motherboard provides many of the same features other top motherboards also have. Once again, the specific features and functions that interest me more than others are stability, function, and over clocking. The support for any possible 1.2GHz Front Side Bus performance draws attention and curiosity which may very well be an extra positive attribute.