Intel to Launch Three Nehalem CPU's by Q4 2008

[MAC]

Digitimes has revealed that Intel will be releasing three Nehalem processors by the end of this year:

"Intel plans to launch three Nehalem-based quad-core processors (Bloomfield) at the end of the fourth quarter this year targeting the company's new LGA1366 socket, according to sources at motherboard makers.

Although official model names have not yet been set, the CPUs are currently identified by the codenames XE, P1 and MS3 with core frequencies of 3.2GHz, 2.93GHz and 2.66GHz, respectively. All three have a TDP of 130W, 8MB L3 cache and will support simultaneous multi-threading (SMT) technology, the sources detailed

The company will also launch the X58 and ICH10 chipset combination in the fourth quarter to support these processors. The new platform is expected to increase performance by 15-30% compared to current generation products. The X58 chipset will adopt Intel's latest QuickPath Interconnect (QPI) architecture replacing its longstanding FSB design.

The new platform will also feature four PCI Express 8x slots and support AMD's Quad CrossFireX technology, however it is still unknown whether Intel will be able to license Nvidia's SLI technology too.

In other news, Intel has updated its processor schedule in will begin to phase out its Core 2 Extreme QX6850 and 6800 after July this year, the sources revealed. Additionally, the performance-level quad-core Q9550 and Q9650 will both phase out in the first quarter of 2009. Intel will leave its quad-core Yorkfield processors for the mainstream market and their life cycle will not end until the end of fourth quarter 2009."

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[Dashock]

Im waiting for the these processors but the 6 core processors hopefully it comes soon and doesnt cost a pretty penny!

[Mibs]

This makes upgrade decisions at this point very difficult. Something like an x48 board with a Q9450 would be nice to have right now, but with this coming relatively soon it makes the upgrade seem rather pointless. At the same time the price of a new platform like this at launch is most likely going to be quite pricey. So for those of us who have a budget and cannot upgrade every 6 months or less they may have to wait until later in 09 to make the jump regardless. I just have to say that things have been getting very interesting in the tech world lately!

[bojangles]

WOW 130W TDP? That would definitely require aftermarket cooling. However, for 6 cores, that's pretty darn good!

[belgolas]

Well nehalem offers its performance gains through multi core but for a lot of single core games it will get 0% increase in performance clock for clock. Something to throw into the plate.

[MacJunky]

Once more devs start actually making games properly though this will be good. And of course being able to fold while running a game is enjoyed by many.

[belgolas]

Yes that is why I love my quad over a dual. I can fold or do something while gaming and future titles will run better.

[Eagle Eye]

I highly doubt that nVidia will likely consider the licensing of SLI to intel Chipsets at this point, it would be a nail in their own coffin to have them compete against an Intel Chipset when their chipsets support Intel proccessors.

[ipaine]

Originally Posted by belgolas

Well nehalem offers its performance gains through multi core but for a lot of single core games it will get 0% increase in performance clock for clock. Something to throw into the plate.

You have to remember that they are expecting 15-30% increase in performance across the board because of the platform that does away with the FSB. So that alone should give you better gaming performance clock for clock, let alone the chips themselves which should also give more clock for clock, core for core. Just like the Core 2's are faster than the P4's clock for clock.

[encorp]

Originally Posted by ipaine

You have to remember that they are expecting 15-30% increase in performance across the board because of the platform that does away with the FSB. So that alone should give you better gaming performance clock for clock, let alone the chips themselves which should also give more clock for clock, core for core. Just like the Core 2's are faster than the P4's clock for clock.

Wait; just curious? There is no FSB anymore? Explain please!