With the success of the Nehalem architecture for the enthusiast sector, only needed to see this concept reflected the Mainstream sector which has finally been given the presentation of Lynnfield processors and P55 Express Chipset outstanding incorporating their technologies.

This time Intel introduced its models i7 870, i7 860 e i5 750 with important features such as the 45nm manufacturing process, Level 3 cache of 8MB and the SSE4 instruction set. It also has the integrated memory controller so change is imminent LGA 1156 socket supporting up to dual channel memory (Dual-Channel), unlike the series i7 900 which has three.

Other services indispensable in improving performance in both games and in multitasking and multimedia are the Turbo Boost (TB) and Hyper-Threading. On one hand the TB is an intelligent process that according to the intensity of implementing one of the nuclei increase speed and so on until equilibrium is reached, ie dynamically. During the course of the review the clearance of such technology has become essential to give a strong push to the final performance and it has proved.

Furthermore, when we apply the HT especially in multitasking and multimedia scenarios that use more than 4 threads is shown to provide results significantly impact out of the ordinary (as in the case of Cinebench R10). Here the i5 750 Core does not provide this ability which is reflected primarily in the consumer price.

The application of OC was not entirely expected given the time to bring this article in a timely manner. Yet its capabilities are really attractive, especially for the I7 870 that has reached higher frequencies (like 4GHz) but to no avail as to absolute stability.

Temperatures are another important issue because the harvested degrees both in sleep mode as in Full are fantastic that despite having a high quality cooler (Thermalright MUZ-120) have merit respect. Even the power management plays a vital role as we spend what is necessary.


The motherboard Intel Extreme Series DP55KG successfully attached to the processors in question with a Bios tolerable (but ugly) and excellent quality memory support up to 1600 MHz (via XMP), 8 internal SATA ports, full back panel and if just the possibility of using both CrossfireX and SLI configuration with the 8x-8x as the video driver is on the CPU (internally) with support of 1 PCIe x16 or two x8 PCIe slots.

While we are engineering samples before we can make satisfactory conclusions without problems and that performance in different segments (Multimedia, Gaming and Multitasking) leaves a great tasting glory given that the final prices of the components to build such a platform will accessible to the public who want the best of the Nehalem architecture, but without spending a fortune, which is now a reality. It only remains to investigate what the configuration admired by the people.

Congratulations to Intel for its new format (and thank you for giving the test kit) waiting for new news and releases to keep the community informed of Baytech Networks.
Intel Core i7 870
Strengths:

     * Native quad core with 45nm manufacturing process.
     * Excellent performance overall.
     * Supports Turbo Boost and HT.
     * Strong ability to OC.
     * Excellent operating temperatures.
     * L3 cache of 8MB.
     * Controller dual channel memory incorporated therein.

Weaknesses:

     * The HT is harmful in certain situations (games).
     * The cost does not seem attractive a priori.

Intel Core i7 860
Strengths:

     * Native quad core with 45nm manufacturing process.
     * Excellent performance.
     * Supports Turbo Boost and HT.
     * Strong ability to OC.
     * Excellent operating temperatures.
     * L3 cache of 8MB.
     * Controller dual channel memory incorporated therein.

Weaknesses:

     * The HT is harmful in certain situations (games).

Intel Core i5 750
Strengths:

     * Native quad core with 45nm manufacturing process.
     * Supports Turbo Boost.
     * Strong ability to OC.
     * Excellent operating temperatures.
     * L3 cache of 8MB.
     * Controller dual channel memory incorporated therein.
     * Affordable.

Weaknesses:

     * Does not support HT.

DP55KG Intel Extreme Series
Strengths:

     * New platform with P55 chipset (support socket LGA 1156).
     * Compatible with CrossfireX and SLI.
     * Supports dual-channel DDR3.
     * Supports up to 8 SATA ports (and two eSATA).
     * Calabera logo lit (for those who want to presume).
     * Completely silent.

Weaknesses:

     * Bios unattractive.
     * It has no PS / 2 connector.

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