Intel ha lanciato ufficialmente la nuova linea di processori per desktop denominata Core i7-5000. Intorno a tali chip, il cui package è compatibile con il socket LGA2011-v3, ruota una nuova piattaforma high-end, il cui nome in codice è Haswell-E, che include anche il chipset X99 Express, un controller per memorie DDR4 (a 1333MHz, 1600MHz e 2133MHz) gestibili in quad-channel, un bus PCI-Express Gen 3.0 a 40 linee e il primo processore per desktop a otto core e sedici thread compatibile con la tecnologia DDR4, il Core i7-5960X Extreme Edition.

In accordo a Intel, la piattaforma Haswell-E è dedicata ai gamer che puntano a giocare in Ultra HD e, più in generale, a tutti gli utenti del settore dei PC appartenenti alla categoria degli enthusiast. L'attuale soluzione flag-ship di gamma è rappresentata dal processore citato in precedenza, il Core i7-5960X Extreme Edition, che supporta HyperThreading, rendendo quindi disponibili al Sistema Operativo 16 CPU a livello logico, e integra una cache L3 da 20MB. Inoltre, la frequenza di clock dei core parte da 3GHz e raggiunge il valore massimo di 3.5GHz con Turbo Boost: il Core i7-5960X Extreme Edition ha un prezzo pari a $999.

Il secondo Haswell-E per prestazioni e prezzo è il Core i7-5930K: questo chip è basato su un'architettura six-core (i core, che lavorano di default a 3.5GHz e fino a un massimo di 3.7GHz con Turbo Boost, divenono 12 a livello logico in virtù del supporto della tecnologia HyperThreading) che comprende anche una cache di terzo livello la cui dimensione è pari a 15MB. La CPU Core i7-5930K, che è dotata di moltiplicatore sbloccato per cui è agevolmente impiegabile in ambito overclocking, costa $583.

La linea Core i7-5000 è attualmente completata dal six-core Core i7-5820K, che è compatibile con HyperThreading, integra una cache L3 da 15MB e il motiplicatore sbloccato, lavora di default a 3.3GHz e fino a 3.6GHz con Turbo Boost, e ha un costo per l'utente finale pari a $389.

Per quanto concerne, infine, il chipset Intel X99 Express, che vanta gran parte delle feature di primo piano del suo precedessore, il chipset X79 Express, citiamo la dotazione di un controller per 10 porte SATA 6Gbps, una o più porte SATA-Express e slot M.2. Esso integra inoltre un controller USB 3.0 a 6 porte e due controller USB 2.0 a quattro porte.

Il processore Intel Core i7-5960X Extreme Edition

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Il die del processore Core i7-5960X Extreme Edition

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Il chipset Intel X99 Express

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Intel Corporation unveiled its first eight-core desktop processor, the Intel Core i7-5960X processor Extreme Edition, formerly code-named "Haswell-E," targeted at power users who demand the most from their PCs.

For enthusiasts, gamers and content creators craving the ultimate in performance, Intel's first client processor supporting 16 computing threads and new DDR4 memory will enable some of the fastest desktop systems ever seen. The new enhanced Intel X99 Chipset and robust overclocking capabilities will allow enthusiasts to tune their systems for maximum performance.

"We're thrilled to unveil the next phase in our 'reinvention of the desktop' we outlined earlier this year," said Lisa Graff, vice president and general manager, Intel's Desktop Client Platform Group. "This product family is aimed squarely at those enthusiasts who push their systems further than anyone, and we're offering the speed, cores, overclocking and platform capabilities they have asked us for."

At PAX* Intel is showing what these new, high-performance powerhouses can do. Intel's booth features systems from several manufacturers using this new processor family running popular games such as Lucky's Tale*, Superhot* with the Oculus Rift*, Dark Souls 2* and Titan Fall*. Additionally, Intel will demonstrate gaming while streaming via Twitch* on a new Intel Core processor Extreme Edition-based system. Live game streamers will enjoy having high-quality high-definition streams with eight cores for lag-less gameplay.

Intel has been working with industry partners to take advantage of this new platform. Key OEMs, memory vendors, motherboard vendors and graphics partners will help grow this enthusiast ecosystem.

"Alienware always prioritizes performance first and foremost in every system that we develop and we are constantly looking for cutting-edge technologies that can give our customers a competitive edge," said Frank Azor, Alienware* general manager. "It was an easy decision to work with Intel to bring its new eight-core extreme processor to our new flagship gaming desktop, the Alienware Area-51. Using new overclocking and monitoring features in Alienware Command Center 4.0, we've been able to really push the processors to the fullest extent and are seeing impressive overclocking headroom. This new Intel processor lineup is the perfect choice for gamers who demand the absolute best performance from their systems."

"I'm ridiculously excited about Intel's new platform," said Kelt Reeves, president of Falcon Northwest*. "This is the biggest bundle of amazing new technologies all hitting at once that I can ever remember seeing. Enthusiasts will be amazed at what they can do with DDR4 memory, 10 SATA 6GB ports, 40 PCI Express lanes and eight-core CPUs."

"Now is an exciting time for enthusiasts," said Harjit Chana, chief brand officer of Digital Storm*. "Intel's new line of enthusiast processors are breaking benchmark records. Featuring up to eight CPU cores and the new X99 chipset with DDR4 memory, our customers can now customize and buy the ultimate high-performance PC."

"The new Intel Core i7 processors are a PC enthusiast's dream come true with up to 16 threads, faster speeds and cooler temperatures," said Kevin Wasielewski ORIGIN PC* CEO and co-founder. "ORIGIN PC's line of record-breaking desktops just got even faster."

"Intel's new platform delivers the maximum processing power with eight cores of unstoppable processing power and supports DDR4 memory giving extreme gamers and demanding enthusiasts exactly what they need," said Wallace Santos, CEO and founder of MAINGEAR*.

Many of these new platforms based on the Intel X99 Chipset are also Thunderbolt Ready. When paired with a Thunderbolt 2 add-in card, this enables a blazing-fast connection to your PC at 20 Gbps. Data intensive tasks such as 4K video editing, 3-D rendering and game development all strongly benefit from the performance of Thunderbolt 2. Check with your PC manufacturer or motherboard maker for compatibility.

Three new SKUs will be available next week ranging from six to eight cores and from $389 to $999. These new processors are also conflict-free. Check out more about our "Extreme" lineup here.

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