With the expensive X38 chipset still not ready for release, Intel has already let it slip that it will have a new high-end chipset for the late 2007/early 2008 time frame. The X48 has been revealed to be an update based on the X38 that supports CPUs with 1600 MHz FSBs and DDR3 memory working at 1600 MHz and above.

Although Intel has yet to announce its plans to introduce a desktop processor with a 1600 FSB, the two 'pluses' above are certainly interesting selling points for the X48. But, at least one 'new' thing about the X48 is already available with the X38 as, at least Gigabyte and Asus claim that their motherboards feature support for 1600FSB CPUs. As for the enhanced memory support the X48, some Asus boards are already promoted as working with DDR3 memory at 1600, 1800 MHz and more. That tells us that there won't be much to the X48 if it relies on the FSB and memory speed alone, especially as it is safe to assume that it will be more expensive than the X38. Wait and see.