Intel Core i7 975 Extreme Processor BX80601975 – 3.33GHz, LGA 1366, 6.4GT/s QPI, 8MB L3 Cache, Quad-Core, HyperThreading, Bloomfield, Retail
- Price: $999.99
- List Price: $1,112.99
- Manufacturer: Intel
- Item Model: BX80601975
- Weight: 1.7 pounds
- Box Size: ( Length: 8, Width: 7, Depth: 5 )
- Warranty: 36 months parts; 36 months labor
- Categories: Computer Components
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Intel Core i7 975 Extreme Edition Processor BX80601975
Check out the most significant architectural change in the x86 architecture in 13 years, the Intel Core i7. Intel has completely reinvented their CPU design, removing the antiquated Front Side Bus and replacing it with the new Intel QuickPath Interconnect, delivering up to 6.4 GT/s. Also new to the Core i7 line is the integrated memory controller, supporting Triple Channel DDR3 Memory allowing for more maximum memory, up to 24GB on some boards, and faster access times. Located directly on the CPU die is 256KB per core of L2 cache and 8MB L3 cache shared across all four cores means the CPU can do more without having to access the main memory, further increasing performance.
The Intel Core i7 processor is the latest in cutting edge processor technology for the desktop PC. Based on the new Intel Nehalem microarchitecture, the Intel Core i7 processor delivers four complete execution cores within a single processor along with the rebirth of Intel HyperThreading Technology, delivering unprecedented performance and responsiveness in multi-threaded and multi-tasking business and home use environments and the ability to simultaneously process up to 8 separate threads.
The unprecedented performance of the Intel Core i7 processor is made possible by each of the four complete execution cores delivering the full power of Intel Nehalem microarchitecture. More instructions can be carried out per clock cycle, shorter and wider pipelines execute commands more quickly, and improved bus lanes move data throughout the system faster. This quad-core, eight-thread processor represents Intel’s continued leadership and drive of multi-core processing and more parallel computing.
Doing More with Intel Quad-Core
The Intel Core i7 processor is at the center of today’s most interactive and content rich software experiences. The evolving set of threaded multi-media applications, including digital content creation, will shine as users are able to complete tasks faster. Game play can achieve even greater visualization and realism as tasks such as artificial intelligence (AI), physics, and rendering can be distributed across each of the four complete execution cores and run in parallel.
I rebuilt my 6 year old Alienware using this processor as the heart. On the Asus A6T with a Diamond ATI 5870 and 6 gigs of Corsair 1600 ram, it is blindingly fast. If I had to be critical, there are two minor negatives, neither of which has to do with the processor itself. When I first opened the box, which is filled by the OEM heat sink and fan, the processor fell out on the table. Fortunately it didn’t fall far, and it was in it’s own little clam-shell case, but it is just sandwiched between the two halves of the plastic packaging for the fan and heat sink, not taped in and not at all secure. The second negative is the OEM heat sink and fan, which may be fine, but attaches to the motherboard by some funky plastic cam/screw devices, that look like they would break if you tried to install them more than once. I opted for the CoolerMaster V8, and am very happy with it.
I build my own computers so I know what equipment is in them rather than what Dell or HP want to put in them as far as components. I ordered all the parts from Amazon.com. They arrived as expected and I put the computer together without a hitch. My only issue with the entire process was the motherboard ordered from Amazon.com did not have the back plate where the sockets are located for peripherals.