Intel's Core i5, Core i7 Processors

Intel was rumored to launch its 45nm processor codenamed Lynnfield Core i5 750 along with Nehalem architecture based Core i7 860 and 870 processors. Finally, Intel has officially launched first Core i5 processor that would be available today along with two new Core i7 processors. The new Intel Core i5 750 processor's retail packaging was spotted last month making it obvious that the chips were en route.
The new quad-core Intel Core i5 750 CPU is clocked at 2.66GHz with 8MB Intel Smart Cache and 1333MHz Front Side Bus. Intel Core i5 750 chip is overclockable up to 3.2GHz and comes with new Socket LGA 1156 that is compatible with the new Intel P55 Express chipset. Apart from that, the Core i5 also has 64-bit processing support and Thermal Design Power rating of 95Watts.

Essentially, Core i5 750 is a stripped down version of Core i7 900-series chips. Intel has removed the third memory channel from Nehalem Core i7 architecture and thereby stripped the HyperThreading capabilities. With HyperThreading, the number of processing threads can be increased depending on the workload and thus, threads could be added to the four cores. Also, Direct Media Interface would be replacing the QuickPath Interconnect.

The new 2.80GHz Core i7 860 and 2.93GHz Core i7 870 have four cores each and can support up to eight processing threads simultaneously. Just like Core i5 750 chip, both new Core i7 processors have TDP rating of 95watts.