The Foxconn Inferno Katana P55-based motherboard

Intel's next-generation P55 platform for mainstream and performance desktop computers has been confirmed recently by the launch of the new Inferno Katana Foxconn's motherboards. Foxconn has just announced the new board, confirming the support to not-yet-official LGA1156 compatible i5 Core processors. As the rumor went on previous occasions, is the new Inferno Katana was designed as a performance-ramp, which provides support for the next generation of Intel processors, Lynnfield, combined with multi-GPU technology from leading graphics chip makers in the world, AMD and NVIDIA.

Specifications for the Inferno Katana is somewhat expected, given the number of leaked details that appeared on the Internet in recent weeks. The Board is based on the long awaited P55 chipset and supports LGA1156 Intel-compatible processors, including the new Core i7 and Core i5 models. There are two DIMM's built-in memory, supporting dual-channel DDR3 1800 (OC) memory configurations, and three PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots that support for SLI and CrossFire multi-GPU technology.

New Inferno Katana also comes with six SATA II ports and two eSATA connectors and supports RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 and Intel Matrix Storage Technology. Designed for PC enthusiasts and gaming fans, the board also has 7.1-channel sound with support for Dolby and DTS surround sound technology. On the back there is a PS / 2 keyboard port, S / PDIF coaxial port and an optical S / PDIF port, the two eSATA ports, a Clear CMOS button, audio jacks, an RJ-45 LAN port, one IEEE 1394a port and not less than eight USB 2.0 ports.

No mention was made of prices and availability at this time, but the company says that preparations for the launch of another P55 board, namely the GTI model, which reportedly will be less powerful than the now released Inferno Katana. Said Board shall have 8 phase hybrid PWM, in contrast to the 12 phase hybrid PWM design of Inferno Katana.