Intel names new chip Core i7

Intel Corp said it plans to sell its new generation of chips for desktop computers under the established Core brand, with the first chips of the new line to be called Core i7.

The microprocessors are based on a design the company has code-named Nehalem and are expected to be in production the last three months of this year. Intel says the new design will deliver both high performance and energy efficiency.


Sporting anywhere between two and eight processors cores, the first chips will integrate a memory controller and come with Intel's QuickPath Interconnect (QPI) which is expected to provides a faster route for the CPU to communicate with system components such as a graphics card.



Some new technologies in Core i7

• Dynamic scalability, managed cores, threads, cache, interfaces, and power for energy-efficient performance on demand.
• Design and performance scalability for server, workstation, PC, and mobile demands with support for 2-8+ cores and up to 16+ threads with simultaneous multi-threading (SMT), and scalable cache sizes, system interconnects, and integrated memory controllers.
• Simultaneous multi-threading brings high-performance applications into mainstream computing with 1-16+ threads optimized for a new generation multi-core processor architecture.
• Scalable shared memory of Intel QuickPath technology features memory distributed to each processor with integrated memory controllers and high-speed point-to-point interconnects to unleash the performance of next-generation Intel® multi-core processors.
• Multi-level shared cache improves performance and efficiency by reducing latency to frequently used data.

Intel is expected to add other identifiers to the Core i7 name as it launches products in the range. It is also expected to identify its high-end "Extreme Edition" parts with a black logo. Intel's Core i7 will be available in market by Q4 2008. Intel is also expected to release its laptop range of processors, based on the Nehalem, in the second half of 2009.