Intel X38 chipset targeted for high-end desktop systems where it should replace the good old buddy Intel 975X, is expected to debut in the second half of September. According to sources, mainboard manufacturer should already start receiving mass production chipsets next week. Therefore, we can expect the first mainboards based on the new core logic set to start selling in the middle of September already. However, the mass flow of Intel X38 based mainboards will hardly hit the store shelves before early October.

At the same time, according to DailyTech, the official chipset launch is planned for September 23, 2007. On this day Intel will release the official specs of their new solutions and technology web-sites will be free to reveal performance data.

Intel X38 chipset should be considered a top product in the third Intel chipset series, which also includes the today’s popular Intel P35. However, the new solution will offer some unique features that will put X38 one step above P35. First of all, it will support PCI Express 2.0 standard and allow using several graphics cards in Crossfire configuration as “PCI Express x16 + PCI Express x16”. Secondly, Intel X38 chipset will unleash the DDR3 memory modules potential as it will support DDR3 memory with up to 1333MHz frequency ensuring compatibility with SPD extensions called XMP (Extreme Memory Profiles). Thirdly, mainboards on X38 will support special Extreme Tuning Utility for system overclocking.

However, the connection between the Intel X38 chipset and DDR3 SDRAM will be pretty relative because there are a lot manufacturers out there who are willing to design mainboards on this core logic set with DDR2 support. Some mainboard makers are even planning on offering solutions supporting both: DDR2 and DDR3 at the same time. Foxconn Company is even going to bypass the SLI support issue and offer modified drivers.

Intel X38 based mainboards will be priced starting at $200 and very often will exceed $300 price tag.