XE is an updated version of the original SLI chipset, and is designed to occupy the mid-range of Intel SLI systems. Between the nForce 4 Ultra (entry-level), the nForce 4 SLI XE (mid-range)and the nForce 4 SLI X16 (high-end), NVIDIA aims to have all tiers of Intel systems covered. The idea is that if a system builder is putting together a new range of systems for customers, it could feasibly use NVIDIA motherboards top to bottom.

The nForce 4 Ultra doesn't support SLI, but the XE does, making this the entry level SLI motherboard. You don't get dual 16x slots, just dual 8x. Primarily, the XE is designed to replace the i945 and i955 chipsets as the mid-range performance mainboard of choice.

The XE includes support for all Intel dual core processors. Those with good memories will recall that the original Intel SLI chipset didn't support the awesome 2.8GHz Pentium D - no worries with that here. This combination will make for a pretty awesome gaming system at a fairly low price. Gamers can choose to have two reasonably priced graphics cards, like the 6800GT or go for one expensive one (7800 GTX) and add another later.