Intel delays P45 chipset until June

Intel seems to be facing another setback with its P45 chipsets that were initially planned for a release in Q1, and later it was speculated they would be here in May. Now the word is the chipset is not expected to make it into market until at least mid-June.

The issue at hand is not supply related, but rather compatibility concerns between different components of the chipset. In particular, the PCI Express x16 slot and certain unnamed GPUs. Intel has contacted motherboard manufacturers regarding the technical setback and has stated they will have the problem solved soon, but still requiring a 2-4 week delay in launch.

This also looks like a good opportunity for Intel and its partners to clear product inventory using the P35 chipset, which will just be a year old next May. Back in August, we tested nine different Intel P35-based motherboards and found them to be excellent all-around performers.