The introduction of new processor lines always makes for an interesting time in the tech review world. Everyone wants to try new stuff, and we are no exception. When Intel and AMD introduced dual-core processors and Intel brought out two new chipsets to match, it made for a reviewing frenzy unseen since 64-bit processors came out. While we try to remain cool and calm here at PCSTATS, we're still slobbering tech-heads under the surface, so we got our reviewing hands on some of the goodies as quickly as we could.

The Gigabyte GA-8I955X Royal motherboard is a dual core Pentium 4 processor compatible platform, built around Intel's very own 955X chipset. This is the first time we've had a chance to look at an Intel dual-core processor with its designated 'flagship' chipset, so we're most interested to see how it does in comparison to the 945P mainstream Intel chipset.

The Gigabyte GA-8I955X Royal comes with the ICH7R Southbridge chipset, which replaces the ICH6 on all 955X and 945P boards. The Intel 955X Northbridge supports Intel Pentium Extreme Edition and Pentium D dual core processors as well as any other LGA775 Intel Pentium 4 or Celeron processor. The motherboard can run at 533MHz, 800MHz and 1066MHz FSB speeds, with up to 8GB of dual-channel DDR II memory installed. A single PCI Express x16 slot provides the graphical interface.

Two PCI Express x1 slots and three conventional PCI slots take care of expansion needs and the GA-8I955X Royal can support up to six IDE and six SATA II devices. Onboard peripherals include a Silicon Image SATA/RAID controller, a GIGARaid IDE/RAID controller, A pair of BroadCom Gigabit LAN adaptors and 7.1 channel Intel 'High Definition' sound courtesy of Realtek's ALC882M codec.

Gigabyte GA-8I955X Royal Motherboard Includes: User manual, Driver CD, WinDVD Software Suite, Hot Keys Template, Ultra/133 IDE Cable, Ultra/33 IDE Cable, Floppy Drive Cable, Jumpers, Eight Serial ATA Cables, Four Molex Y Serial ATA Power Cables, SLI Connector, IEEE 1394a Bracket, USB Bracket, USB/Game Port Bracket, Serial ATA Bracket, I/O Shield

The GA-8I955X Royal packs six SATA II cables, three Molex to SATA power adaptors (with a total of six SATA power connectors), one IDE and one floppy cable, three dual-port USB brackets (one with IEE1394B and IEE1394 plugs too), a USB extension cable and even a little USB Bluetooth adaptor! Wow.

The included manual is well written and covers all the basics, going more in-depth with BIOS settings than we are used to seeing. Also included is a multi-language illustrated hardware installation guide.

The driver installation software is slick and easy to use too. The GA-8I955X Royal ships with driver and software CDs for the motherboard and bluetooth adaptor, as well as a bonus software CD containing Norton Internet Security 2005 and versions of Cyberlink PowerProducer and Power2Go.