Intel Unveils Core i5 6xx, 6x1 Series Dual-Core Processors

[btarunr]

Intel today gave a go ahead for the media to publish reviews of its brand new dual-core processors under the Core i5 6xx and Core i5 6x1 series. The processors are based on the new "Clarkdale" processor die, and make use of the company's 32 nm next generation HKMG manufacturing process. Unlike conventional processor packages based on the Nehalem/Westmere architecture, the new processors move the northbridge component of the system onto the processor package, only that it is based on a separate 45 nm die within the package. The 32 nm processor die houses two processor cores along with up to 4 MB of L3 cache, while it is wired to a larger iGPU die which houses the dual-channel DDR3 memory controller, a graphics core, PCI-Express root complex, along with other components traditionally found on northbridge chips.

The first three models in the new Core i5 series are the 3.20 GHz Core i5 650, 3.33 GHz Core i5 660 and 661 (latter has a faster iGPU), and 3.46 GHz Core i5 670. These processors have the LGA-1156 package and are compatible with existing P55 Express chipset (albeit without the iGPU feature), along with the company's new H55 Express and H57 Express chipsets that support the Flexible Display Interface that provides connectivity to the processors' iGPUs. The new processors feature HyperThreading Technology, with which it provides the operating system with four logical CPUs (threads) to deal with, TurboBoost technology which powers down a core and overclocks the other when the task load is low. Pricing and availability will surface when the processors are formally announced, a little later this month. Meanwhile, motherboard manufacturers are ready with boatloads of new motherboard models based on Intel's two new chipsets. A compilation of links to major reviews on the internet can be found in the day's reviews list on the homepage.



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[human_error]

These look to be very nice - especially the 670 which has a 73w TDP but can clock upto 3.73ghz using turbo

Looking forward to 32nm on more of intels' higher performance processors.

 

[Hunt3r]

These look to be very nice - especially the 670 which has a 73w TDP but can clock upto 3.73ghz using turbo

Looking forward to 32nm on more of intels' higher performance processors.

We see that the price will be passed to the consumer

 

[Tatty_Two]

These look very nice, it will be interesting to see how these dual cores stack up against 45nm Yorkfield/Wolfdale quads and duals...... I dont think many will downsize from quads to duals unless these are really good.

 

[Hayder_Master]

overclock me

 

[Fourstaff]

Are they trying to make bulldozer look like an old idea? I think the iGPU will be only about as powerful as a 9300GT.

 

[TheMailMan78]

Dual core? Really? Where the hell is my six core?! WTF is up with AMD and Intel? Its 2010 and we are still making new dual cores? They need to s#!t or get off the pot already.

 

[jjFarking]

Dual core? Really? Where the hell is my six core?! WTF is up with AMD and Intel? Its 2010 and we are still making new dual cores? They need to s#!t or get off the pot already.

LOL!
I kind of agree, though I think it's much more important for software developers (of anything, not just games) to get their act together & properly optimise code - preferrably in 64-bit, to fully utilise the hardware already available

 

[tonyd223]

new intel gear

Hear that sound... it's AMD pooing themselves...

Prices will drop, the power levels are brilliant (and think how much money per year they'll save you), just need mobo's...

 

[jjFarking]

Hear that sound... it's AMD pooing themselves...

Prices will drop, the power levels are brilliant (and think how much money per year they'll save you), just need mobo's...

I dunno.. All I see is more Intel proprietary coding required for some of the benefits these CPUs offer. Chances are that people in that budget bracket will most likely go for an AMD quad instead.
As for power consumption: how many people will actively decide their purchase on the power usage of the CPU?
Besides, even if the CPU is a power miser, chances are that other components will nullify any savings the CPU might offer..

 

[Fourstaff]

Prices will drop, the power levels are brilliant (and think how much money per year they'll save you), just need mobo's...

And you will be gaming with single digit frames

Well, not too bad with onlive seeing that the ping is 100+ ms

 

[tonyd223]

Ok - but power is important - at that budget (me) we're running 400-550 watt power supplies and the fact that the intel 661 at 4GHz uses considerably less power (50 watts+) than the AMD 965 at 3.9GHz should be a factor. Not gonna play the green card.. but imagine you're a company with 300 pc's left on all the time...

 

[TheMailMan78]

Not gonna play the green card.. but imagine you're a company with 300 pc's left on all the time...

Chances are you don't need this card anyway as a Pentium 3 will run Excel like a motherf$#ker. I'm sorry but unless these dual cores are like 15 bucks Ill pass.

 

[jjFarking]

Chances are you don't need this card anyway as a Pentium 3 run Excel like a motherf$#ker. I'm sorry but unless these dual cores are like 15 bucks Ill pass.

LOL

I get the point though. There's nothing wrong with less power consumption & I, for one, certainly encourage that trend.
The problem though, is the fact that the respective camps do this by providing less-capable offerings, rather than truly tackling the problem with ALL of their offerings

 

[tonyd223]

Intel must make most of their money by selling to systems integrators who buy the chips by the thousand - who then sell to companies who buy by the hundred...

So, same performance for less power? isn't that what the HD4770 did to the HD4850?

 

[jjFarking]

Intel must make most of their money by selling to systems integrators who buy the chips by the thousand - who then sell to companies who buy by the hundred...

So, same performance for less power? isn't that what the HD4770 did to the HD4850?

Same performance is yet to be established though.
Regardless, it's a good initiative, but unlikely to be 'it' for the masses IMHO.

 

[Tatty_Two]

And you will be gaming with single digit frames

Well, not too bad with onlive seeing that the ping is 100+ ms

Not seeing as most games use only 2 cores, these chips strengths of course lie in the HT.

 

[Fishymachine]

dual core with HT for up to 280$...I'm sorry but I...what's the word...ah yea think before buying :shadedshu

 

[Fourstaff]

Not seeing as most games use only 2 cores, these chips strengths of course lie in the HT.

When I wrote, I was thinking about the gfx side of the chip.

 

[sunil]

 

[Tatty_Two]

dual core with HT for up to 280$...I'm sorry but I...what's the word...ah yea think before buying :shadedshu

I agree completely but you are quoting the top end there, the mid range at $176 looks a slightly different proposition and TBH, look at Newegg and their "old" Wolfdale dual cores which stock around the same speed as that $176 i5 - 650, I think you will find the E8500 more expensive and thats without HT and the other additional benefits.............

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115036&cm_re=e8500-_-19-115-036-_-Product

 

[Fourstaff]

Somehow I have this weird feeling that their mobo (H55 and H57) is going to be quite cheap.

 

[PCpraiser100]

It would be very fun to OC. Thats for sure.

 

[PP Mguire]

Guys guys chill, think of it this way. This thing has a multi of 25....overclock much? Disable the GPU and go to town!!

Not only that, the GPU isnt as bad as youd think. Its capable of HD playback (1080p), games like WoW and CoD are playable. And to answer somebodies question people like me and a few others. I dont like running an overclocked i5 with monster graphics just to browse TPU. Thats hefty on the power bill, but something like this or an Atom/Ion combo with low power usage will be great on an electric bill.

 

[Melvis]

It would suck if the GPU died/faulty in it? You would have to replace the whole thing?

Does it come with different warranty for the GPU and CPU?

Would this run very hot? and need a dam good stock cooler to keep them both cool?