Intel's P35 Express chipset is a tough act to follow, after setting records in both performance and overclocking capabilities. But like the P965 Express it replaced, the long-ago released FSB1333-compatible update was never intended to be an enthusiast part because it wasn't designed for multiple graphics cards. Enthusiasts' choices were restricted to older parts such as the 680i SLI, the ancient 975X or the ill-fated CrossFire Express 3200.

Intel's not one to stand still, so how could it abandon the high-end market for so long? Part of the reason might be its former chipset alliance with graphics company ATI, which resulted in the CrossFire Express 3200 being developed under Intel's blessing but not delivered until after CPU competitor AMD had bought ATI out from under the partnership. The chipset designed to replace the 975X in crossfire-equipped performance systems was thus abandoned by Intel and received little support from motherboard manufacturers.