Does Intel P45 chipset support FIS-based port-multipliers?

[idata]

Hello, having read various pre-release announcemets on the Internet about P45 (codename: Eaglelake) I was under the impression that it supports FIS-based port multipliers (instead of just command-based). Recently, however, I read regarding the upcoming P55 chipset that among its new features is support for FIS-based PMPs on two SATA ports. Does that mean that P45 never supported FIS based PMPs?

After much searching, the only place where port multiplier support is mentioned on the Intel website is here: http://www.intel.com/design/chipsets/matrixstorage_sb.htm and it doesn't mention FIS.

Since FIS-based PMPs is something I will probably be using in the future as my hard drive needs expand, can somebody tell me with certainty whether my P45 motherboard can support them?

[idata]

Hi,

I'm preparing specs for a home server with 8, then 12 hard drives and port multipliers quickly came into the picture.

I was looking for the same info.

I don't have a definite answer to your questions.

the short answer: yes it does. even the ICH9 did.

The long answer: maybe.

first, you have to check what ICH10 you have. Read this, page 44:

http://www.intel.com/Assets/PDF/datasheet/319973.pdf

if you see AHCI, then you have FIS

I don't know where the P45 belongs to.

why? because AHCI on the ICH10 is complant with AHCI V1.3, that says it's FIS

(see 1.3 specs here: http://download.intel.com/technology/serialata/pdf/rev1_3.pdf)

But I don't have enough tech knowledge to confirm all of this.

Also it seems that BIOS implementation also impacts this feature.

I wish someone from Intel could make this clear.

Please this post live if you found more information.