With the release of the new Intel 955 processor, the D975XBX is the board that will bring out the performance of the processor. The CPU, Intel Pentium Processor Extreme Edition 955 with Hyper-Threading Technoogy is the first dual core processor for the desktop PC with 1066 SB and 2MB of L2 cache per execution core. The Pentium Processor Extreme Edition 955 is also the first dual core processor that combines Intel Virtualization Technology, enabling platofmrs to run multiple operating systems and/or applications in independent partitions or environments, with Execute Disable Bit and Intel Extended Memory 64 Technology. The processor runs at a clock speed of 3.46GHz 1066FSB. It has 2 x2 MB L2 cache.

In our tests, we ran the same processor on the D975XBX mainboard in comparison with the 955x based ECS PF22 extreme mainboard. Although the ECS PF22 extreme board seems to run the processor at a much high clk speed, it doesn't seem to perform as fast as the D975XBX. This is most apparent in the graphics tests. This is due to the fact that the i975X chipset officially supports Dual 8X pcie for ATi CrossFire technology. The 955x does not officially support CrossFire and runs it at a 4x+16x configuration. In PCmark05 tests, we can see that the differences isn't that much of a difference as the tests are not so graphics dependent. As we can see, the PCmark05 results were 5600+ which are very impressive, this is largely due to the Dual Core and larger L2 cache. A AMD FX-53 with a similarly configured RD480 board scored only 3800+.

Features wise, the board has what most would need. There is GbE, 1394, 4 SATAII ports + 4 SATAI port (Sil 3114), Azalia High Definition Audio. To my surprise, the BIOS comes with overclocking features, this is quite shocking as it is a Intel board. There are options to change the multiplier, fsb, pcie bus etc. We did try to change the FSB but there is only 800,1066,1333. 1333MHz didn't Boot. Instead we were able to o/c to 4.256GHz easily by increasing the multiplier to 16x266.

Installation of the board is quite straightforward but documentation is lacking. I was fiddling around various PCIe slots to get CrossFire to work as there is no mentioning of which slot is 4x, 8x or 8x/16x. The provided heatsink for the CPU also does not seemed to be adequate as it runs very hot. I replaced it with our own Gigabyte cooler and everything works well. As per documentation, it is also stated that a 600W Delta PSU is recommended to run the system. So, if you intend to change it to the 975X platform, be prepared to spend quality time looking for a compatible Power Supply Unit.

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