Intel Introduces New Core i7, i5 Processors

It's new hotness.

After months of whispers, Intel today officially introduced the next major platform for its processors with the introduction of the Core i7 and updates to the Core i7 and Xeon 3400 series for mainstream desktop and entry server markets.

Formerly codenamed "Lynnfield," these new chips are based on Intel's award-winning Nehalem microarchitecture and are designed for consumers who need high-end performance for digital media, productivity, gaming and other demanding applications. These processors, along with the new Intel P55 express chipset, are available today.

The new Core i7 and i5 processors are the first Intel processors to integrate both a 16-lane PCI Express 2 graphics port and two-channel memory controller, enabling all input/output and manageability functions to be handled by the single-chip Intel P55 Express Chipset. Previous Intel chipsets required two separate chips – a northbridge and a southbridge.

Check out our three feature articles today for the full scoop:

• Intel Core i5 And Core i7: Intel’s Mainstream Magnum Opus
• In Theory: How Does Lynnfield's On-Die PCI Express Affect Gaming?
• Core i5, Core i7, CrossFire, And SLI: Gaming Paradise, Redux?

Also see the video below for a little primer of what's so great about the new platform and chips: