Processor support on this board is restricted to 2nd generation Intel Core i3 / i5 / i7 2xxx-series processors only. The LGA1155 socket shown below is not compatible with existing LGA1156 processors, nor are the upcoming LGA1155 processors backwards compatible with existing LGA1156 motherboards, despite the common processor names.

The new Socket 1155 for Sandy Bridge 32nm processors only. The Gigabyte GA-P67A-UD7 motherboard is built with Japanese solid state capacitors.

A strong warning is supplied with this P67 motherboard but I won't be surprised when the first stories of consumers inadvertently destroying CPUs / motherboards start to pop up. Make sure you install the correct processor into the correct CPU socket. The two CPUs do look slightly different.

Intel Socket 1155 processors are only compatible with Intel P67 and H67 motherboards. Conversely, Intel socket 1156 CPUs cannot be used on any Intel P67 or H67 motherboards as they are not pin-compatible.

The Intel P67 Northbridge brings native 6Gb/s SATA III into the house of Intel, USB 3.0 is handled by a discreet controllers. It may be that Intel truly has decided to side-step native USB 3.0 support altogether and focus on its high-bandwidth Light Peak (fiber optic) peripheral interconnect instead. Only time will tell.

Intel P67 Northbridge chipset pictured

In terms of data storage the GA-P67A-UD7 board is very well equipped - there are six 6Gb/s SATA II and four 3Gb/s SATA connectors - two of which are eSATA. RAID 0,1,5,10 and RAID 0,1 options will depend on the particular host controller in play, either the Marvell 88SE9128 or Intel P67, but in either case you can configure some seriously large hard drive or solid state drive arrays with the GA-P67A-UD7.

Rounding out the features on the Gigabyte GA-P67A-UD7 motherboard are (10) USB 3.0 ports, (8) USB 2.0 ports, (3) Firewire and a pair of Gigabit networking jacks. High Definition 8-channel audio comes standard. Keep in mind that Gigabyte is taking a bit of a short cut and using USB 3.0 hubs to deliver some of those USB 3.0 ports, it will be interesting to see what kind of bottleneck develops when all ten USB 3.0 ports are fully engaged.

Retail price is unknown at this time, but the Gigabyte GA-P67A-UD7 motherboard is expected to cost between $190-$230USD. Next up, detailed photos of the GA-P67A-UD7 motherboard and its most notable features!