What does the "Max Memory Size" on the new Intel Core i3 / i5 / i7 CPU's mean?

I just noticed in the specs of the new Intel Core i-series processors that there is a "Max Memory Size" that is usually pretty small -- anywhere from 8GB to 24GB. See here: http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=41316

Core 2-based motherboards were just starting to roll out support for 32GB and greater memory sizes.

Anyone have any idea what the Max Memory Size indicates? Is this the total limitation of the on-chip memory controller? Limitation per channel? Limitation per stick (e.g. density??)?

Thinking of building a decent machine that needs lots of RAM, so I'm looking at the i7 860.

Solution 1:

The i7 supports 8GB per memory controller. There are 3 controllers, 24GB max. Check out i7 datasheet. This is a chip design decision - a function of the interface to the chip.