Intel’s next-generation core-logic for enthusiasts code-named Bearlake-X will support DDR3 memory, multi-GPU technologies, refined PCI Express bus and other innovations that will attract attention of performance-minded users.

The code-named Bearlake-X chipset that will replace the Intel 975X from the top in the Q3 2007 will support PCI Express 2.0 bus with higher – 5.0GHz – clock-speed compared to current 2.5GHz, two PCI Express x16 lanes, dual-channel PC2-6400 (DDR2 800MHz) and PC3-10600 (DDR3 1333MHz) memory as well as will be compatible with microprocessors featuring 1333MHz processor system bus (PSB).

Other members of the Bearlake family will also support central processing units (CPUs) with 1333MHz PSB, but they may not necessarily support multi-GPU capabilities as well as PC3-10600 (DDR3 1333MHz) memory, limiting maximum memory speed to PC3-8500 (DDR3 1066MHz), notes HKEPC web-site.

Intel has been rumoured to support DDR3 memory in the second half of 2007 by various sources and the company itself also has implied that there is such a plan. Nevertheless, it was uncertain that the new platforms from the world’s largest chipmaker will also support PCI Express 2.0 bus technology. Even though the latter will hardly increase performance of graphics cards and other add-in components, it is likely to inspire discussions about the technology advantages, something, which may increase sales of personal computers.

DRAMeXchange predicts that DDR3 production ratio will climb to 30% of the overall DRAM production in 2008 and expects DDR3 DRAM products to replace their predecessor DDR2 as the main volume product in 2009.

Intel did not comment on the news-story.