Quad-core processor sets speed record

x86 CPU has integrated triple-channel DDR3 1066 memory controller

Said to be the fastest processor available anywhere, the Core i7 features four cores, an 8-Mbyte level-3 cache, and a triple-channel DDR3 1066 memory controller. The chip holds a new world record of 117 for the SPECint_base_rate2006 benchmark, said to be the first single processor to exceed a score of 100 points. Available at 3.20-, 2.93-, and 2.66-GHz speeds, the processor is up to 40% faster the previous version, with the same 130-W power (TDP) and adds multiple power-saving states for each core.

DDR3 memory of up to 24 Gbytes is supported, and 8-way cache associativity provides an improved cache hit rate on load/store operations. The chip’s QuickPath Interconnect (QPI) interprocessor interconnect runs at 6.4 or 4.8 Gtransfers/s.

The IC comes in a 1366-land package, and has new accelerators for improved string and text-processing operations. The three-speed versions are designated the Core i7-965 Extreme, Core i7-940, and Core i7- 920. ($284 to $999 — available now.)

Intel , Santa Clara , CA
Sales 408-765-8080
http://www.intel.com