Intel Corp. on Monday quietly added its anticipated Intel 975X Express chipset into its core-logic lineup and revealed some details about the new product. As expected, the chip aimed at gamers, enthusiasts and workstation users brings some new multi-GPU functionality and increases performance of memory sub-system. No mainboard maker or system maker proclaimed availability of Intel 975X-based applications.

Intel did not reveal many details regarding the new chipset officially, but from various sources it is known that the main feature of the Intel 975X product is support for dual-core processors with 1066MHz processor system bus. Currently Intel’s chipsets for dual-core processors only support 800MHz PSB for chips with two processing engines and 1066MHz bus for processors with one core. While dual-core central processing units (CPUs) with 1066MHz Quad Pumped Bus are expected only in 2006, Intel Corp. for some reason decided to refresh the chipset lineup already in November.

Another advertised innovation that the Intel 975X core-logic supports is an improved memory controller that supports Intel memory pipeline technology (Intel MPR) that enables a higher utilization of each memory channel, accelerating data transfers between the processor and system memory, resulting in higher overall system performance. While this capability was available on the Intel 955X chipset as well, the manufacturer only begins to advertise its now. Additionally, Intel 975X inherits Intel 955X’s capability to support dual-GPU configurations by its 16 PCI Express lanes.

Intel said that the chipset was available for mainboard makers at press time with actual mainboards due out at a later date. By now only Gigabyte Technology announced its mainboard featuring the chipset.