14 DAY TRIAL // Intel's reign on the high-performance market is far from being threatened, but the Santa Clara, California-based manufacturer does have to deal with AMD in the mainstream and entry-level market segments. This is probably one of the main reasons why the world's leading chip maker is reportedly planning to update its line of Core i7 processors, with the introduction of a new model, specifically designed to replace the company's current Core i7 920. Said to come in the first quarter of 2010, the new processor will be a slot-in replacement for the Core i7 920.
According to our fellows over at Driverheaven, the new Intel processor will be unsurprisingly dubbed Core i7 930 and is planned for launch next year, in the first quarter. A couple of technical specifications are currently available, namely that the new CPU will be designed as a quad-core processor with an eight-thread design. Built to be compatible with the current LGA 1366-enabled motherboards, the new CPU will be factory clocked at 2.88GHz, a slight boost over the company's current Core i7 920 model, running at a stock frequency of 2.66GHz.
We are still to find out whether the new CPU will make use of Intel's matured 45nm manufacturing process or the company will employ its next-generation 32nm process technology. The difference between manufacturing processes could result in a cooler-running, high-performance processor that could be paired with Intel's high-end X58 chipset.
Price-wise, the updated Core i7 930 model is expected to become available for the same price point as the current 920 model, which will make it a noteworthy alternative for anyone looking to build an X58-based desktop computer. Unfortunately, there's no word on when Intel will phase out the current 920 model, but, unless you are in desperate need to build a new Intel-based high-end machine, you should probably hold on your hardware purchases until the 930 is made available.