Intel's Core 2 Duo is the best desktop processor, but which is the best motherboard? We took a look at four 975X offerings from Asus, Foxconn, Intel and MSI. The 975X is Intel's state-of-the-art core logic for high-end desktop and entry-level workstation systems. It supports all socket 775 Pentium 4, Pentium D, Core 2 Solo and Core 2 Duo processors at FSB800 and FSB1066 speeds, and it comes with a Dual DDR2-800 memory controller. As already mentioned, the chipset will support two graphics cards, each running at PCI Express x8 link speed, or the graphics interface can be configured to support a single graphics card at x16 link speed.

For device connectivity, Intel uses its well-known ICH7R Southbridge component, which supports High Definition audio, eight USB 2.0 ports, six x1 PCI Express lanes, a conventional PCI bus and four Serial ATA/300 ports for hard drives and modern optical drives. There is also one UltraATA/100 channel for your legacy devices, and Intel has implemented its Matrix Storage technology, which allows you to install multiple RAID sets across a common set of hard drives.

Toms Hardware Guide