14 DAY TRIAL // Intel released on the market the long-awaited Core i7 processors, targeting three segments, namely performance users, enthusiasts and overclockers. As announced before, and also as expected, the new chips do not come at low prices, which means than some users will still go for the older Core 2 platforms that can still offer excellent performance for both mainstream users and PC gamers.
The new Intel Core i7 processors are available for purchase at several computer manufacturers online and in retail stores, as well as a boxed retail product via channel online sales. Along with the chips, users will also need to acquire a new X58 motherboard, and there are a few vendors that already announced boards to go with the processors, while Intel has also unveiled its new X58 Express Chipset-based Intel Desktop Board DX58SO Extreme Series. Besides the chip and the mobo, new memory modules are also recommended, as Core i7 goes very well with new DDR3 triple-channel kits.
Intel unveiled a price list for the new Nehalem-based CPUs, and they should set users back $999 for the 3.20GHz Intel Core i7-965 Extreme Edition, $562 for the 2.93GHz Intel Core i7- 940 and $284 for the 2.66GHz Intel Core i7- 920. Of course, these are the prices Intel announced for 1,000 unit shipments, as the prices listed at retailers differ a little.
Newegg lists the processors at $1,069.99, $599.99 and $319.99, respectively, Tigerdirect at $1,099.99, $649.99 and $329.99, respectively, while on Amazon the chips cost $1,099.99, $622.92 and $329.99, respectively. The prices are high, no doubt about it, but, considering the performance levels of the chips, they should be attractive for enthusiasts.
The X58 motherboards feature prices ranging from $220.99 for the MSI X58 Platinum on Newegg, up to $321.95 for the GIGABYTE GA-EX58-UD5 on Amazon. The price for the memory modules ranges from $129 to $181, which means that the cheapest configuration (CPU, motherboard and memory kits) would top $650. However, if you want to add here an Intel SSD, a new chassis and a new cooling system, the costs will go up considerably.
Even so, we're talking about the “fastest processors in the world,” as Intel stated when the official introduction of the chips was made. Since Core i7 received a great deal of positive reviews from different tech sites, and also made a great impression on the chip maker's partners, its early adoption does not come as a surprise. Moreover, the processors are expected to boost Intel's revenue for the fourth quarter, although the company has toned down the forecast a few days ago.
High end and mainstream PC builders are already preparing systems that feature the Core i7 processors inside. The list of such vendors includes Alienware, Dell, Falcon Northwest, Gateway, iBuyPower, Overdrive PC, Polywell, PowerSpec, and Velocity Micro. The 965 Extreme Edition version of the Core i7 is expected to power most of the systems, yet the other two chips will also be used in mid-priced and high-end multimedia desktops for sure.