14 DAY TRIAL // Although everybody's focus seems to be on Sandy Bridge right now, Intel's Nehalem line of CPUs will remain the company's high-end offering even after the Sandy Bridge launch, latest reports suggesting the processor giant will release a new Core i7 CPU in Q1 next year.
Dubbed the 990X, this processor will be based on the six-core Westmere-EP architecture and will come with a 3.46GHz base frequency that is said to reach up to 3.73GHz in single-threaded applications thanks to the Turbo Boost function, which raises the core's operating frequency according to its load pattern.
As is the case with other Westmere-EP chips, this will come with a 6.4GT/s QPI frequency, integrated triple channel memory controller as well as support for DDR3 1066 or 1333 memory.
The TDP will remain unchanged compared to that of Intel's current flagship processor, being set at 130W, the new processor coming with a $999 price tag.
The X at the back of its name designates this as an Extreme Edition processor, meaning it will come with an unlocked multiplier, making this an ideal solution for overclockers and enthusiast users.
As you have noticed by now, the 990X won't bring that much to the table, apart from a 133MHz higher core frequency, when compared to the current flagship chip, the 980X.
This was to be expected since the 990X was designed in order to replace the older 980X, as one can clearly see from taking a look at its pricing.
Moving further down the line, is very likely that the 990X will be the very last of Intel's flagship processors to be based on the Westmere-EP architecture as the company will surely use a different, more up-to-date, architecture for its next generation high-end CPUs.
Until that happens, enthusiasts users will probably enjoy the 990X as a CPU-Z validation picture posted by inpai.com.ch clearly shows this will come with a more than adequate overclocking potential.