Core i7 Features and Specifications

So before we dive into the architecture of Core i7, you probably want to know what processors are now racked up in Intel's line-up starting today. It's actually a fourfold of CPUs. Let's have a peek:

• Core i7 920 at 284 USD (mainstream)
• Core i7 940 at 562 USD (performance)
• Core i7 950 at 599 USD (performance)
• Core i7 965 Extreme at 899 USD (enthusiast)
• Core i7 975 Extreme at 999 USD (enthusiast)

As you can see the first 'entry' level product starts at 284 USD, quite astonishing once you see what kind of performance it actually delivers. The Core i7 920 quad core processor is clocked at 2.67 GHz. This processor alone offers Intel Core 2 QX9770 performance all by itself.

At the lower segment of the high-end level we spot the Core i7 940 and soon the new Core i7 950 as well. At the top of the range we stumble into the Core i7 965, a 3.2 GHz quad core processor that blows your mind. It is this processor that will be replaced with the new Core i7 975.

Let's place some specifications on an overview:

So while the processor launched today was already rumored about in January/February, today is finally the day it sees light. There's more to come though, Intel is prepping a Core i7 950 processor as well. That Core i7 950 will run at a steady 3.06GHz, roughly 130MHz faster than its 940 predecessor, priced at $562.

Core i7 950

• Product Type: Desktop
• Product Line: Core i7
• Socket: LGA1366 Socket
• Clock Speed: 3.06 GHz
• QuickPath: 4.8 GT/s
• L3 Cache: 8 MB Shared
• L2 Cache: 4 x 256 KB
• L1 Cache: 4 x 64 KB
• Package Type: 1366-land Flip-Chip Land Grid Array (FC-LGA8)
• Threads: 8
• Manufacturing Process: 45 nm
• Thermal Design Power: 130W
• Thermal Specification: 67.9°C
• Core Voltage: 0.8 - 1.375V
• Intel VT: Yes

Today however is all about the Core i7 Extreme 975, this new uber high-end model will run at 3.33GHz, 133MHz faster than its 965 Extreme predecessor, and will be priced again at $999 (in quantities of 1000). The new 975 comes in a new stepping, D0 (this was C0) and some minor changes have occurred, and such a change usually implies a refined silicon package that could result in lower power consumption and provide greater overclocking headroom.

Core i7 975

• Product Type: Desktop
• Product Line: Core i7
• Socket: LGA1366 Socket
• Clock Speed: 3.33 GHz
• QuickPath: 6.4 GT/s
• L3 Cache: 8 MB Shared
• L2 Cache: 4 x 256 KB
• L1 Cache: 4 x 64 KB
• Package Type: 1366-land Flip-Chip Land Grid Array (FC-LGA8)
• Threads: 8
• Manufacturing Process: 45 nm
• Thermal Design Power: 140W
• Thermal Specification: 67.9°C
• Core Voltage: 0.8 - 1.375V
• Intel VT: Yes

Today however is all about 

This quad-core Bloomfield processor will serve as the new flagship chip for Intel, boasting a high core speed and is obviously still based on LGA 1366 sockets.

Caches then, the processor uses 1 MB of L2 cache and 8 MB of L3 shared cache memory. The TDP for this processor will be 130W (TDP = maximum peak wattage).