Gigbyte has announced the launch of the EP45-Extreme series of motherboards that target the extreme overclocking segment of the motherboard market. The series currently consists of the GA-EP45T-EXTREME for DDR3 users and the GA-EP45-EXTREME for those who still prefer using DDR2 memory; both motherboards are based on Intel’s latest P45 Express chipset.
Designed for extreme overclocking performance, the EP45-EXTREME series of motherboards supports Intel multi-core processors up to FSB 1600MHz, including the latest Intel 45nm processors. Other high bandwidth features include support for ATI CrossFireX Technology with 2 PCI Express 2.0 x 8 interfaces and dual LAN with teaming functionality for ultra bandwidth for gaming servers.
The motherboards utilize Gigabyte’s unique Hybrid Silent-Pipe slot cooling system. This utilizes the natural convection of air inside and outside the chassis to cool down the North Bridge, South Bridge and CPU MOSFETs without the use of a fan. The Gigabyte Hybrid Silent-Pipe can also be used with water block cooling systems for additional enhanced thermal performance, or alternatively it can be totally removed by experienced overclockers who wish to use a copper pot with dry ice or LN2 extreme cooling on the North Bridge.
For system information, the EP45-Extreme boards incorporate an 80 Port Debug LED, overclocking alert LEDs, overvoltage alert LEDs and also temperature alert LEDs. There are five blue overclocking alert LEDs that indicate from a minimal overclock with only one LED burning to a high overclock with five LEDs burning. There are three overvoltage alert LEDs that indicate a slight overvolt when the green one burns, a moderate overvolt when the yellow one burns and a high overvolt when the red one burns. Finally, there are two temperature LEDs that burn green when the CPU and North Bridge area temperature is between 61oC and 80oC and red when the area is above 80 degree C.
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