Introduction

Raise your hand if you like to get more, while actually getting it in a smaller package. Funny but true - with certain things you can actually get more and benefit from it being smaller than a previous version. This is very common with computer components where going smaller as technology advances actually increases the amount you receive. For instance, we have recently seen video card processors decrease in size, while seeing an increase in the streaming processors, which is a perfect example of less equaling more. Decreases in die size, due to technological advances, have made it possible.

It’s been a while since we have seen advances in CPUs; quad core processors have been common amongst the mainstream for over three years. Sure, there have been some architectural changes, as well as increases in speed, but we have not seen more in the way of cores - it’s been four and there it has stayed for quite some time. Well my friends, those of you who crave more, but wish it were smaller too, your wait is over.

Intel has announced a new processor which will be the Core i7 – 900 Desktop Extreme Edition Series on a 32nm process. The new Core i7 900 series refers to the new Core i7 980X extreme edition desktop processor, which will be comprised of six cores, a new 32nm process, integrated memory controller, a point to point QPI (Quick Path Interconnect) link capable of 6.4GT/s and a new larger L3 Cache which is 12MB.