MSI to build first HYDRA-based motherboard
updated 01:10 pm EDT, Wed September 23, 2009
Will allow pairing of disparate video cards
Taiwan's MSI has uncovered the Big Bang, an upcoming PC motherboard. The hardware is based on Intel's P55 platform for Core i5 and i7 processors, but is most notable for integrating the Lucid HYDRA 200 chipset. The technology copes with a recurring problem in video cards, which prevents ones from different manufacturers from being used simultaneously.
Multiple cards can typically only be used in tandem when identical cards from the same manufacturer are linked, using SLI. Few other details about the Big Bang are known, but it should include slots for three PCIe-based devices. It is scheduled to launch worldwide on October 29th, with pricing that is as yet undetermined.
