Intel always extremely disliked their processors being overclocked. They sometimes even asked journalists to remove certain articles about the overclocking of Intel’s CPUs. However, it seems that the largest semiconductor company now tries to do everything in order to expand the presence on the market, even to favour the so-called computer enthusiasts. In early September we had an overclocker’s contest in Moscow that was also supported by Intel! Moreover, The Inquirer reports that Intel plans to launch its own mainboard for overclockers as well as present a computer case with special CPU-cooling system next year.

The newcomer is code-named “Rapid city” and will be based on Intel’s Springdale core-logic. The mainboard will feature loads of functions intended for overclockers and system tweakers. In contrast, now Intel does not allow the users to tune anything with their own mainboards. The novelty will also utilise a black PCB in order to excite those hardware freaks.

Intel’s Sprigdale chipset is intended for the next generation Pentium 4 “Prescott” processors with 667MHz Quad Pumped Bus and Hyper-Threading II support. The core-logic will provide dual-channel PC2700 memory controller and will be equipped with ICH5 I/O controller to offer Serial ATA-150 support.

In addition, Intel may also unveil a reference design of a computer case with rather extreme cooling solution for its CPU. This includes a big blow hole complete with a 60 millimetre tube going directly to the CPU fan and so distributing cool air straight onto the heatsink.

There is no official confirmation about these products from Intel and we should take this information with a grain of salt. Intel has loads of interesting developments that have never seen the light of the day, hence, these two devices can become just another two additions in Intel’s collection of unreleased goods .