Intel H670, chipset canceled or just postponed?
Intel H670
Intel usually launches two series of chipsets with its new platforms: one, marked with the letter "Z", for enthusiasts and overclockers, and the other, defined by the letter "H", for those looking for a cheaper solution. This has not been the case with the Alder Lake desktop platform so far, as only the Intel Z690 chipset has been launched. Apparently, according to unconfirmed reports from IT Home, the company has canceled the distribution of its H670 chipset (at least for now), but has decided to move forward with the lower-end chipsets in early 2022.Photo Credit: Intel Apparently, instead of launching its H670 chipset alongside the 12th Generation “Alder Lake” Core processors at CES 2022, the company intends to introduce its B660 chipset, alongside the H610 entry-level PC. level - reported IT Home (citing MSI). The H670 chipset was expected to offer essentially the same feature set as the Z690, but the B660 and H610 will have noticeably more moderate specs.
Apparently, the MSI B660M Mortar motherboard is equipped with two PCIe x16 slots ( Gen 5 + Gen 4), one PCIe Gen 4.0 x1 slot and two M.2 slots for SSDs (no information about the PCIe version in the latter case). As an added bonus, the platform will also feature a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port and a 2.5GbE connector. Details on Intel H610 motherboards are unclear at this time.
The launch of the Intel B660 and H610 platforms alongside 65W Alder Lake processors is good news, as there will be cheaper systems based on the company's latest CPUs. However, given the lack of the H670 chipset, the B660 will inevitably take its place below the Z690 platform, which will lead to motherboards being offered at higher prices. What remains to be seen is whether Intel has canceled the H670 chipset in general or has just postponed its launch to a later date for some reason.
Credit: Intel Given the continuing shortage of components, it makes sense that all companies reduce the number of models in an effort to optimize production and simplify the supply chain. Additionally, with most Z690 motherboards selling well in excess of $ 200, manufacturers and assemblers could certainly benefit from low-priced, feature-rich alternatives.
Neither Intel nor MSI have commented. this information, but with CES coming in just over two weeks, we should learn more about the new motherboards soon.
Intel to Release B660/H610 Motherboards on January 5th?
At the time of writing, if you’re going to buy one of Intel’s new Alder Lake-S processors, you pretty much only have one choice regarding motherboards. Well, you have plenty of manufacturers to choose from, of course, but in terms of platforms, it’s been Z690 or nothing. – With this in mind, therefore, it has led to a lot of speculation as to when we would see the launch and release of the mid-tier B660 and entry-level H610 motherboards.
Well, following a report via Videocardz, it seems that not only are both platforms set for an official launch on January 4th, to coincide with the non-K Alder Lake-S CPUs, but they may very well be set for a general consumer release on January 5th. Yes, one day later!
Intel B660/H610 MotherboardsNow, before you get too excited, the source claiming this information has already thrown in the caveat that the supply of both B660/H610 motherboards is likely to be exceptionally poor throughout the whole of January. In other words, snagging yourself one of the upcoming models with your shiny new Alder Lake-S CPU is probably going to be a very difficult proposition. Supplies are, however, likely set to improve in February and March as manufacturers begin to ramp up their production.
What about the H670 platform though? No mention of that right?… Well, it turns out that there might be a very good reason for that. Namely, because it may not be happening at all!
Although the cancelation of the H670 series has certainly not been confirmed, there is absolutely no mention of it being launched in January. And, quite frankly, if it’s not happening then, then it makes very little sense that it would land later. Why would they choose to effectively abandon this platform though? Well, the bottom line is that with the ongoing chipset shortages, it might just be a case of Intel, rather wisely we would add, choosing not to do it to allow for a better supply of materials for their other platforms.
This is, however, just a theory. And with Intel set to host their keynote address at CES on January 4th, we don’t have much longer to wait before we find out whether this is true! Do I think we’re not going to get an H670 motherboard though? Well, let’s just say that I wouldn’t be surprised!
What do you think? – Let us know in the comments!
