There is probably a reasonable explanation, but why do intel boards not offer the same options of AMD boards. Why cant I find an intel board socket 1156 or 1366 with 6-8 sata 6Gb/s ports USB 3.0 imbeded in the board? I am sure there is a logical reason, but those things are common on many AMD boards. Is it Intel or the board Mfgrs?
chipset issues?
As far as I know, the current Intel chipsets don't support 6Gb SATA or USB 3. Those features are added by third-party controllers on Intel-based motherboards.
The forthcoming "Sandy Bridge" chipsets are supposed to bring 6GB SATA, but not USB 3.
I'm unfamiliar with current AMD chipsets. I see that the 890 does 6GB SATA, but it looks like USB 3 not native.
I trust that somenone will jump in with corrections if my information is incorrect or misleading.
Asus and Gigabyte offer Intel boards with limited 6Gb, USB 3.0
Most offer 6 sata 3GB an 2 added sata 6GB- but that is about the most I can find. The same companies offer AMD versions with 6-8 sata 6 GB ports, native USB 3.0 and 2 esata 6GB ports from the MB. I just don't understand why Intel can't do the same, would be a great selling point. That is why I am running my first AMD rig now- get a lot more for less money.
I recently heard an AMD spokesman say they were coming out with 8 core CPU's next year. I'm not sure what you would do with 8 cores, but some will buy them just to say they have one.
Quote