The first dual G4 PowerPC systems from Apple were all heat sinks and fans. In this tradition, a rarefied Intel Skulltrail-based powerhouse from Thirdwave uses two top-line quad-core QX9775 processors and a bevy of Nvidia GPUs--and plenty of fans.
The real estate in Thirdwave's $12,000 Skulltrail system is taken up mostly by fans and power supplies
(Credit: Thirdwave Corp.)The system (photo) in fact looks more like a stand-alone power supply box than a computer. Of course heat dissipation is paramount in enthusiast screamers.
The original Apple dual G4 systems (circa 2001) were a testimony to heat dissipation--and Rube Goldberg. So much heat that the system could quite literally raise the temperature in a small room. (Note: I can testify to this.) And so many fans--as many as nine in the original dual G4 system but less in later G5 versions--that Apple had to quickly release a system redesign to reduce noise (and heat) levels.
Intel's Skulltrail technology is much more advanced of course but fans still occupy a large chunk of real estate.
Skulltrail is a very high-end enthusiast platform based on Intel's 5400 "Seaburg" workstation chipset. The design distinguishes itself with dual CPU sockets that power eight processing cores (two QX9775 chips). Skulltrail also supports the Scalable Link Interface (SLI). The system can be maxed out with two dual-GPU graphics cards from Nvidia (such as the GeForce 9800 GX2) or up to four AMD graphics cards using ATI CrossFireX technology.
System pricing is stratospheric. The "Prime Galleria XS" system from Japan-based Thirdwave is listed at $12,740. The Intel QX9775 processor alone costs $1,499, more than most PCs. And the system uses two of these overclocked to 3.6GHz.
Other specifications: Two Nvidia GeForce 9800 GX2 boards, each housing two graphics processing units (GPUs). Thirdwave lists two Scalable Link Interface (SLI) boards plus one more 9800 GX2.
The system also offers an unusual storage option: one 64GB solid state drive.
Intel has posted the quad-core QX9775 on its price list, indicating the top-of-the-line chip used in the Skulltrail motherboard is available in volume.
Intel QX9775 Extreme processor
(Credit: Intel Corp.)The Skulltrail motherboard was announced in mid-February but the QX9775 processor was initially very scarce. Intel has now listed (PDF) the processor at $1,499. The 45-nanometer part runs at 3.2GHz, packs 12MB of cache, and uses a 1600MHz bus.
Skulltrail is a very high-end enthusiast gaming platform based on the company's 5400 "Seaburg" workstation chipset. Skulltrail distinguishes itself with a dual CPU socket design that uses eight processing cores (two QX9775 chips) and support for the Scalable Link Interface (SLI). The system can be maxed out with two dual-GPU graphics cards from NVIDIA (such as the GeForce 9800 GX2) or up to four AMD graphics cards using ATI CrossFireX technology.
The motherboard accomplishes all this with dual 1600MHz front side-buses--connected to the dual Xeon sockets--and four full PCIe x16 slots.
The board is available from resellers such as PC Connection which also lists the QX9775 at a whopping $1,809. Most retailers list the processor for between $1,600 and $1,700.
Intel Skulltrail motherboard
(Credit: Intel Corp.)
Intel is getting ready to launch the full-sized SUV of desktop motherboards. Expected later this quarter, the Skulltrail board packs two quad-core 130-watt QX9775 processors--which Legit Reviews said sucked up to a whopping 351 watts. In short, this is not the MacBook Air. The tiny processor in that power-stingy computer sips a mere 20 watts.
Skulltrail pulls out all the stops. It has dual 1600-MHz front side-buses connected to dual Xeon sockets and four full PCIe x16 slots, with planned support for up to four high-end graphics boards. And Xeon processors running on Skulltrail boards have been demonstrated by Intel running at 4.0GHz.
Is all of this really necessary? Or is it just a PR stunt with only a few hardened gamers snapping up the limited supply of Skulltrails. Apparently it's more than PR because Skulltrail reviews, driven by popular demand, are everywhere. TechRadar has one, [H]Enthusiast has one, Anandtech has one...and the list goes on.
Skulltrail's genesis (it was originally dubbed "V8") is sketchy but some in the tech community believe the board was created in response to AMD's Quad FX platform which, in turn, was created in response to Intel's quad-core desktop CPUs. But AMD's Quad FX was unceremoniously terminated so that question may be moot now. For those interested in seeing one in action, here's a slightly dated (January 8) Intel video showing Skulltrail running various games.
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