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As we already mentioned, Intel's i975X is only a slightly improved version of the earlier i955X. It is currently the bleeding-edge of Intel chipset technology, and it supports Intel's entire range of LGA775 processors, including Pentium D Extreme Edition varieties. The i975X also enables the use of Intel's "VT" -- or "Virtualization Technology" -- in the processors which contain it.

When we first published this article, we gave the 975X7AA a bit of a difficult time for allegedly not supporting CrossFire with its dual PCI-Express x16 slots. This was a mistake on our part, and we regret not double-checking that statement. We are glad to report that the Foxconn 975X7AA does support ATI's CrossFire in dual 8x mode. CrossFire support is enabled in the CATALYST Control Center in exactly the same fashion as it would be on a motherboard with an ATI chipset.

The i955X/i975X family brings with it some interesting features. There is, of course, official support for a smoking 1066 MHz FSB as well as DDR2-667, giving us a maximum theoretical memory bandwidth of 10.7 GB/sec. The i975X also provisions for some serious memory/storage capabilities -- up to 8 GB of RAM can be used, along with hardware-assisted RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 over SATA II. Intel High-Definition 7.1-channel audio rounds out the multimedia side of things. While officially only supporting DDR2 at 667 MHz, the i975X has proven on many occasions that it is capable of driving DDR2 at over 800 MHz. Some board manufacturers make use of these capabilities in their boards, and provide unofficial DDR2-800 support.

The actual features list of the 975X7AA is as follows:

• 1x ATA133 port + 1x floppy port
• 4x SATA II ports (supporting RAID 0, 1, 5, 10)
• Secondary SATA controller with 1 internal and 1 external port (supporting RAID 0 and 1)
• Intel 7.1-ch HD audio (via Realtek codec)
• Dual Gigabit Ethernet
• PS/2 and parallel ports
• 2x S/PDIF (1 coax out, 1 optical out), analog input, analog out
• 4x external USB 2.0 ports and 2x internal USB 2.0 headers
• 1x external port and 1x internal Firewire header

This board has some excellent expansion capabilities. It's not up there with the 8 SATA port/8 USB port/3 IDE behemoths, but otherwise is a great showing on Foxconn's part.

There is, however, a bone I would like to pick. It has nothing to do with Foxconn or Intel, or any particular company for that matter. It's aimed at the PC industry as a whole ...

Parallel, serial, and PS/2 ports -- do we still really need them? I haven't seen a parallel printer in ages. Serial is still used by some folks, so it is nice to have once in a blue moon. PS/2? Please, it is going the way of the dinosaur, creeping towards extinction just like our gargantuan friends did. Most people out there are already using USB mice, and it isn't too much to ask of the industry to shift towards USB keyboards.

Could someone please build a motherboard and tear these antiquated parts off? USB is the standard for all-around connectivity nowadays, and these old I/O interfaces do nothing more than take up valuable space on the motherboard's rear. A good suggestion would be to put these connectors on an expansion bracket and allow the user to decide if they need them. The floppy connector might have to stay around for a while longer, as not all of the motherboard manufacturers have gotten their act together as far as booting off USB flash drives goes.

All and all, the 975X7AA from Foxconn looks like a powerful piece of hardware so far. Let's take a peek at what's in the box.