Intel Core i7-3960X and i7-3930K CPUs Transitioning to C2 stepping in January

As previously reported, Intel's first wave of Sandy Bridge-E processors have VT-d (Intel Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O) disabled due to an errata in the C1 stepping. That issue couldn't be resolved in time for the launch but it's getting fixed with the C2 stepping which is set to start rolling out to customers on January 20th, 2012 (samples have already been delivered).

The CPUs moving to the C2 stepping are the hexa-core  (3.3 GHz) and Core i7-3930K (3.2 GHz). Beside the fixed VT-d, the C2 chips will feature new S-spec and MM numbers so a BIOS update for current motherboards will likely be required.

Sandy Bridge-E VT-d Broken In C1 Stepping, Fixed In C2 Stepping,Shortly After Launch

PC enthusiast customers and companies running corporate datacentres looking to buy into the new Sandy Bridge-E platform may want to wait a little while before handing over their hard-earned money to Intel. The initial batch of C1 revision Sandy Bridge-E processors have a bug – “errata” in Intel terminology – in them with VT-d, which means that hardware accelerated virtualization doesn’t work properly with them (software only mode is unaffected). The feature when working properly, allows all hardware acceleration to work on the hosted operating system (virtual machine). This would allow things such as hard drive controllers to work, plus applications such as high-powered 3D games, typically First Person Shooters, to run at nearly full speed and the full Windows Aero desktop to be displayed on the hosted OS, as the hardware features of the graphics card can be used. Therefore, working VT-d is a critical feature for these kinds of applications.

Leaked Roadmap Reveals Two Lines of Enthusiast Sandy Bridge-E Processors

In Q4 2011, Intel will unveil its new Sandy Bridge-E (enthusiast) platform, consisting of new multi-core processors in the 2011-pin LGA package, and Intel X79 Express chipset. A roadmap slide leaked to the Chinese media reveals an interesting way in which Intel will approach the platform to monetize it best. To begin with, it appears like Sandy Bridge-E will keep up with the trend set by LGA1155 processors where only certain models can be overclocked, while others are greatly limited. Among those that can be overclocked (or "unlocked", as Intel puts it,) there will be two classes.

American Portwell Intros Intel Sandy Bridge COM Express Type 2 Carrier Board

American Portwell recently announced that the company has expanded its COM Express Type 2 product portfolio to include a new solution that is compatible with Intel's second-generation Core processors, code named Sandy Bridge.

Exceleram Intros New Rippler Memory Kits for Sandy Bridge Processors

German memory maker Exceleram released five new Rippler series dual-channel DDR3 memory kits brandishing optimal support for Intel's Sandy Bridge architecture processors. The fleet consists of 2x 2 GB and 2x 4 GB pairs, carrying SPD/XMP profiles of 1333 MHz or 1600 MHz. It starts with ERS300A, which is a 2x 2 GB kit that does 1333 MHz with 9-9-9-24 timings, strictly adhering to the JEDEC PC3-10700H specification. Next is the ERS301A, which is a 2x 4 GB kit that also sticks to the JEDEC specification, doing 1333 MHz @ 9-9-9-24.