Introduction

With the recent launch of the Intel Core i5 and i7 LGA1156 processors came a plethora of motherboards based on the Intel P55 express chipset. With motherboard prices ranging from $90.00 USD to $300.00 USD, and processor prices starting under $200.00 USD, an affordable Intel (Core Series) solution for the mainstream user's needs has been met. Depending on your budget, you have numerous options to choose from and it will be up to you to decide what performance point suits your needs.Will you purchase a quicker processor and a performance board or maybe you like the option of a more moderately priced motherboard and a quicker processor? This choice will be up to you and what you choose should be the best fit for your needs.

With all these choices, the decision may be tough. I have always desired to have the best processor, but many times, that placed me short when it came to a motherboard. Usually, an entry level or mainstream motherboard would not accommodate the processor due to Memory or FSB incompatibilities, sometimes even due to the die size of the processor. This is not the case with the new Core Series LGA1156 processors and P55 Express chipset motherboards. You can now have a higher end processor and purchase a mainstream motherboard, without having to skimp on performance or worry about incompatibility.

The Gigabyte P55-UD4P Motherboard is a mainstream (mid priced) Intel P55 Express chipset motherboard that comes with many options you would expect to find in a higher end motherboard. The Gigabyte P55-UD4P comes with dual BIOS, Ultra Durable 3, which includes 2 oz Copper PCB and solid capacitors, and includes Smart 6 software to assist PC Management. The Gigabyte P55-UD4P Motherboard is available for purchase at a price of $149.99 USD.