Final thoughts, awards, and right2reply
NVIDIA has done what we always new it would, that is, launch an Intel version of its popular and impressive nForce 500-series core logic.
It's decided at the outset to offer only SLI-capable core logics, so nForce 590 SLI I.E. and nForce 570 SLI I.E. is your fill. The 590 model, which we've taken a look at today, carries over most of the features inherent to the AMD version, with changes made for necessity's sake. That means DDR2-800 support, SLI-Ready memory, dual full-bandwidth x16 PCIe slots for SLI usage, dual Gigabit Ethernet controllers (with FirstPacket and DualNet capability), high-definition audio, 10 USB2.0 ports, 6 SATA2 ports, and a BIOS that's a tweaker's dream.
Performance from the reference board was right on the money, generally matching a well-tuned i975X motherboard in most applications. We expect motherboard manufacturers to wring a little extra performance out of the chipset with subsequent revisions, and we hope they dish out nForce 590 SLI I.E. with passive cooling.
We were genuinely impressed by the AMD version and the Intel variant looks to be an even better deal since the launch of Intel's superb Core 2 Duo/Extreme processors. nForce 590 SLI I.E. also paves the way, as we've noted, for enthusiasts to meddle with SLI on the latest Intel platform. Given the impressive feature-set on offer, we can see system integrators take on nForce 590 SLI I.E. to construct high-end gaming SKUs.
There's been no better time to jump on the Intel bandwagon than now. The world is going to embrace Core 2 Duo in a big, big way, so compliant chipsets will, by inference, sell well. Intel's already in the game, obviously, and NVIDIA's now rolled in with a couple of performance chipsets that offer a myriad of features and SLI support.
Our view, then, hasn't changed since the AMD version was launched over 2 months ago. nForce 590 SLI was a good chipset then; it's even better now that it supports Core 2 Duo. Our final judgement on its effectiveness will be made once a few tier-1 vendors ship us their retail boards, with ASUS currently leading that race. Immediate Core 2 Duo support is also available from ASUS with its P5N32-SLI SE motherboard shipping right now for our transatlantic cousins. Up until our retail evaluation of shipping nForce 590 SLI Intel Edition boards, coming shortly, everything seems to be looking good.
We wonder how long it will be before ATI's RD600 surfaces, especially considering its new bed partner. Chances are we won't see it until autumn sets in, so NVIDIA's sitting pretty for now. Interesting times ahead in the chipset market.
HEXUS Awards
- NVIDIA nForce 590 SLI Intel Edition.
