Intel Core i7 870S and 875K due soon

Intel is near launching a trio of new Core i5 and i7 processors that all push into new territory, a series of leaks have shown. One slip suggests that the company will launch the Core i7-875K in early June. The quad-core, likely 3.33GHz chip would be the first Nehalem-based processor with an unlocked clock frequency and would be tailored to hobbyists. While overclocking has been possible before, the move would let experienced users change the clock speed directly instead of modifying the bus speed and voltage.

A pair of more moderate processors are also due to arrive ahead of the 875K, one leak shows. The previously rumored Core i7-870S is now known to keep the 2.93GHz clock speed but to use a more reasonable 82W of power that helps it fit into all-in-one PCs and small form factor desktops. It should cost more for the advantage, at $560 in bulk.

The other chip, the Core i5-680, should be the highest-clocked Nehalem processor to date with a 3.6GHz base speed; it will only carry two cores but will use the smaller, more efficient 32nm process and will likely support Turbo Boost to run at even higher speeds in certain cases. Rumors have it costing a considerably lower $284 in large volumes.

Neither the 870S nor the 680 have specific release dates but should precede the 875K.

By Electronista Staff