Feed UR Mind

There are only a select few events in the PC hardware world that get hardcore enthusiasts truly excited. For example, when popular trade shows like Computex, IDF, and CES take place, there is a fair amount of buzz. Also, anytime the major players in graphics release next-generation GPUs, things definitely heat up; or likewise when a hot new game hits. Finally, when either of the processor big guns, Intel or AMD unleash new CPU micro-architectures on the world, you can almost bet on the community to come alive with enthusiasm. We’re sure we’ve missed a few other momentous occasions as well, but you get the gist. It takes something new and exciting to get a PC Enthusiast’s pulse racing.

Thankfully, today is one of those times. Although Intel won’t be officially launching their Core i7 processors, formerly codenamed Nehalem, and the X58 Express chipset until sometime later in the month, we’ve had them in house for a while now and can finally show you all the goods. We’ve tested every Core i7 speed grade that will be available at launch, along with at trio of X58 Express based motherboards. We’ve even thrown in some high-resolution multi-GPU SLI and CrossFireX testing for good measure as well.

When the new Core i7 processors arrive sometime later this month, pricing for the flagship Core 2 Extreme 965 will be set at $999, the Core i7 940 at $562, and the Core i7 920 at $284. Expect enthusiast-class X58 based motherboards to sell for around $300 give or take a few dollars depending on the number of features. Ultimately, we can’t help but be impressed by the new Core i7 processors. The performance, power profile, and overclockability are all very good even at this early stage. Intel clearly has another exceptionally strong product in their line-up that will undoubtedly appeal to PC enthusiasts and multimedia professionals alike.