Intel P45 Chipset

The P45 Chipset is a high-end chipset architecture by Intel.  The P45 socket supports Intel's Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Quad processors.  The chipset is compatible with DDR3 1066/SDRAM memory sets, as well as DDR2 RAM.

  For comparison purposes, DDR3 RAM operates at a rate of 17 GB/S, whereas DDR2 RAM operates at a rate of 12.8 GB/S.  With a DDR3 setup, up to 8GB of RAM are supported, and with a DDR2 setup up to 16GB are supported.  The P45 chipset allows for two types of GPU architecture:  a single x16 PCI-E slot or dual x8 PCI-E slots.  The ICH10R southbridge supports up to 12 USB 2.0 ports, 6 x1 PCI slots, 6 SATA-3Gb/s connectors, and an Intel Gigabit LAN connection.  The P45 uses Intel's Quiet System Technology, which minimizes fan speed changes to allow operation to run quieter than previous chipsets.