From a reference speed of 3.2GHz

Aug 25, 2008 09:43 GMT  ·  By

As we are getting closer to the release date for Intel's highly anticipated Core i7 processors, codenamed Nehalem, more rumors about the company's next-generation processing units emerge. As already noted in some of our previous articles, the Nehalem architecture has been designed to provide computer enthusiasts with an impressive overclocking capability, so much so that at least one of the upcoming Core i7 models will reach a core speed of 4GHz+ using an air cooling solution.

According to recent rumors, the 3.2GHz Core i7 processor will be one of the company's best overclocking-capable computer CPUs. That's because users will be able to boost the core speed all the way to 4GHz, using an air cooling solution. The rumors are certainly astounding, especially since they offer an early insight into what the LGA1366 Nehalems will be capable of. Unfortunately, at this particular point in time, no one can really say if we are talking about a reference cooling solution or a custom product, so we can only imagine that the Nehalems will be capable of higher core speeds, with liquid cooling solutions.

So far, a number of details have emerged about Intel's upcoming processors and desktop chipset, the X58. Branded as Core i7, the new CPUs will require a new socket, which means that users will need to make a bigger investment than initially planned, if they want to step up to the next-generation Intel CPU architecture. The Nehalems can be scaled from 2 to 8 cores, provide triple-channel DDR3 memory controllers, and use Quick Path Interconnects bus. They will also feature support for multi-threading technology, which is similar to Intel's Hyper-Threading.

The new Nehalem architecture will be used for both the company's desktop and server chips. The first Nehalem CPUs are expected to debut later in Q4, while the 6-core processors, codenamed Dunnington, are set to make their debut in September. The former are designed to meet the requirements of server systems.