<span class="content"><span class="content"><span class="content"> <p><font size="2">The upcoming launch of the Intel P55 and associated S1156 based processors is starting to resemble the buildup we noticed before the P965/Core 2 launch. We are swamped with motherboard samples for early first looks. In fact, revisions are occurring on an almost daily basis as each manufacturer tweaks their final product designs in hopes of capturing your hard earned dollars. </font></p> <p><font size="2">While aesthetics, features, and colors are an integral part of the motherboard design, ultimately how well it performs is based on the quality of components and BIOS design. We also happen to rate warranty and customer support at the top of this list but eventually it always comes back to performance or price for most users. </font></p> <p><font size="2">When it comes to performance, Gigabyte is usually a name that always comes up in the course of a conversation when discussing motherboards. They typically have extremely solid products and occasionally will hit one of those grand slam home runs with a product like the GA-EP45-UD3P, a board that offers the right blend of features, performance, support, price, and character. </font></p> <p><font size="2">The reason we bring this up is that the GA-P55-UD6 is already invoking the same feelings for us. Well, all except price as this will be Gigabyte's premium P55 offering. We expect to see a price tag somewhere north of $200 when it launches in a few weeks. However, this board offers a lot for the money and is certainly targeting the enthusiast. Obviously, we cannot discuss performance yet, but the i5 is going to surprise a lot people, especially those buying into the lower end i7 market.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.anandtech.com/weblog/showpost.aspx?i=622">Read more...</a></font></p> </span></span><span class="content" /></span>