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
3 x USB 2.0 Headers with an additional 6 USB Ports
1 x 1394b Header
1 x Front Panel Switch/LED Header
1 x Front Panel Audio Header
1 x MCP55 Fan, 1 x C19 Fan, 1 x CPU Fan, 2 x System Fan
Connectors
Form Factor
Full ATX
305mm x 244mm Dimensions
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.