Intel today launched a new line of microprocessors based on its Nehalem chip family. Chipzilla is introducing one new processor family, dubbed the Intel Core i5, as well as two new Intel Core i7 processors and the new Intel Xeon processor 3400 series for servers.
These chips will bring earlier i7 performance chips to mainstream computers. Dell, for example, is introducing computers with the new processors today.
These chips were formerly code-named Lynnfield and are based on the Nehalem family introduced in March. They’re designed for high performance with digital media, productivity, gaming and other apps. They’re accompanied by a new Intel P55 express chip set, which lets a computer handle input-output functions with just one chip rather than two. The processors feature Intel’s Turbo Boost technology that lets a chip’s core run faster than its base operating frequency.
Intel says the new chipset sets the stage for Intel’s forthcoming 2010 compute platform. The Intel P55 Express Chipset will be the baseline building block component for motherboards worldwide.
A new Direct Media Interface (DMI) connects between the processor and chipset. The chipset supports 8 PCI Express 2.0 x1 Ports (2.5GT/s) for flexible device support. Dual graphics cards are supported in a “2×8″ configuration. The chipset also supports 6 SATA 3 Gb/s Ports.
Mainstream desktop platforms with the i5 processor include:
- Dell’s Studio XPS 8000 and 9000 desktop models, announced today, carry the XPS label that was once targeted at gamers. The Studio XPS 8000 starts at $800 with a 500GB hard disk, 4GB of DDR3-1066 RAM, and Intel’s new Core i5-750 (2.66GHz) processor.
- CyberpowerPC uses an Intel Core i5-750 2.66GHz quad core microprocessor and a DVD Supermulti drive instead of Blu-ray, for $725.
- Ibuy, another Taiwanese vendor, showed off a lower-priced PC with an Intel Core i5-750 microprocessor with a 500GB HDD, 1GB of DDR3, Nvidia 9500GT graphics and a DVD rewriteable drive for NT$19,900 (US$607).
The Core i5 chip looks nearly identical to a Core i7 800 series chip. In fact, the two processor lines differ only in their support for HyperThreading–the Core i7 800 series supports HT, the Core i5 does not, explains Hot Hardware.
These new processors require a new socket, new coolers, and the P55 Express chipset, says Hot Hardware which did an exhaustive test on the new platform.
Blogrunner, ExtremeTech, Hot Hardware, AnAndTech, ComputerWorld, PC Perspective, and ZDNet have more details on what to expect from the new processor chips.
