Introduction
The Intel Core i7 is a new line of desktop processors based on the new Nehalem microarchitecture, which evolved from the Core microarchitecture which powered the highly successful Intel Core 2 line of microprocessors. Like its predecessors, the new Core i7 processors is manufactured using Intel's 45 nm fabrication process with high-k (hafnium) dielectric and metal gate technology. However, that is where the similarity ends.
Unlike the Core 2 processors, the new Core i7 processors have a monolithic design. That means the entire quad-core processor is fabricated on a single die. The quad-core version of the Core 2 processor, on the other hand, combines two dual-core dies in a multi-chip package (MCP). The Core i7 processor also introduces a slew of new technologies :
- an integrated DDR3 memory controller
- a three-tier cache design
- QuickPath Interconnect
- Intel Turbo Mode technology
Today, we will be taking a close look at the new Intel Core i7-975 Extreme Edition processor, which debuted on June 3, 2009. As Extreme Edition moniker hints, this processor comes with unlocked multipliers as well as a correspondingly hefty price tag.
Let's take a look at how the Core i7-975 Extreme Edition compares against its less-expensive brethren and some Core 2 processors.
Processor |
Cores |
Threads |
L1 Cache |
L2 Cache |
L3 Cache |
QPI/FSB |
Multiplier |
Clock |
Core i7-975 Extreme Edition |
4 |
8 |
32 KB x 4 |
256 KB x 4 |
8 MB |
6.4 GT/s |
25x |
3.33 GHz |
Core i7-965 Extreme Edition |
4 |
8 |
32 KB x 4 |
256 KB x 4 |
8 MB |
6.4 GT/s |
24x |
3.2 GHz |
Core i7-940 |
4 |
8 |
32 KB x 4 |
256 KB x 4 |
8 MB |
4.8 GT/s |
22x |
2.93 GHz |
Core i7-920 |
4 |
8 |
32 KB x 4 |
256 KB x 4 |
8 MB |
4.8 GT/s |
20x |
2.66 GHz |
Core 2 Extreme QX9650 |
4 |
4 |
32 KB x 4 |
6 MB x 2 |
- |
1333 MHz |
9x |
3.0 GHz |
Core 2 Extreme QX6850 |
4 |
4 |
32 KB x 4 |
4 MB x 2 |
- |
1333 MHz |
9.5x |
3.16 GHz |
Core 2 Duo E8500 |
2 |
2 |
32 KB x 2 |
6 MB |
- |
1333 MHz |
9.5x |
2.53 GHz |
Core 2 Duo E7200 |
2 |
2 |
32 KB x 2 |
3 MB |
- |
1066 MHz |
9.5x |
2.4 GHz |
Core 2 Duo E6600 |
2 |
2 |
32 KB x 2 |
4 MB |
- |
1066 MHz |
9x |
2.4 GHz |
Core 2 Duo E6420 |
2 |
2 |
32 KB x 2 |
4 MB |
- |
1066 MHz |
8x |
2.13 GHz |
For more specifications, take a look at our Desktop CPU Comparison Guide. |
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Packaging
Our Intel Core i7-975 Extreme Edition came in nothing but a plain white envelope. Yes, you read it right - this is as minimalistic as it gets - the world's most expensive processor (at the time of posting) protected by nothing more than a sheet of paper. It saves a lot in terms of storage space, postage cost and all that, but we would advise against doing that with your own processor.
The actual retail packaging is a world of difference from this review sample. It comes in a nice black box (after all, what says classy and expensive more than the colour black?). That's just the outer cover though. Underneath is a plain white box similar to what we saw with the Intel Core i7-965 Extreme Edition processor (see pictures below). Inside, you will find a stock cooler enclosed within two plastic trays. The processor will be enclosed within its own plastic case.
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