Intel is going to release another series of processors while naming them in resemblance with previously released processor series.
By calling them new series processors, I am talking about their new 32nm chip. It is the smallest processing chip ever built (or as far as I know).
Right now we can’t compare AMD’s processors with Intel, because they are still no match for Intel’s Core i7. I7 is providing much more than what AMD’s processors are providing right now. I7 is better for both, gamers and other people, who want to do multi-tasking on their computers.
The specifications listed below for i9 are taken from a Chinese website and must be considered as an overlook for real specifications when i9 will be finally released.
Codename
I9 are being developed with the codename of Gulftown, whereas i7 were developed as Bloomfield (and others).
ProcessingChip
The chip is going to be much smaller and possibly the smallest chip ever made for desktop computer; it is based on 32nm fabrication process. Whereas, i7 used to be 45nm chip.
Intel’s new processors series apart from i9, i.e. i3 and i5, will also feature 32nm chip.
Architecture
I9: Westmere
I7: Nehalem
Socket (LGA)
This is really great news that we won’t have to change our motherboard this time because i9 will also support Intel X58 chipset. I9 will support 1366 socket, just like i7 used to.
Cores/Threads
I9- 6 cores and 12 threads
I7 – 4 cores and 8 threads.
Due to this feature, multi-tasking on i7 became a lot smoother than on any other processor. That’s why it is presumed that it will be way lot of smoother on i9 too.
Hyper Threading
Only i5 (latest version) and i7 used to support hyper threading. Hence there is no doubt that i9 won’t support the same.
Hyper-threading makes our computing much faster and precise.
QPI (quick path interconnect)
Yes, for both of them! QPI has replaced FSB (front side bus) quite impressively. Though, I haven’t felt much of a different between these two things (because I used to work on Quad and never had problems related to FSB), I believe that Core i9 will come with some unique capabilities regarding QPI.
Memory (RAM)
I9 will also support DDR3 RAM just like i7 did. Right now, there are a lot of buzzes about XDR2 RAM, claiming that they are a lot faster than DDR3. I don’t know yet, but it seems that XDR3 RAM are also being developed (you can always hope for better in case of hardware).
Turbo-boost
Yes for both, i9 and i7.
This was the feature, which was introduced when i7 was released. It had the capability of over-clocking the processor in case you need more processing power. Core i9 will be much more powerful than i7 and with turbo-boost technology; it will become most powerful CPU on this planet.
L3 Cache
I9 – 12 MB (50% more than i7)
I7 – 8 MB
Availability
Intel Core i9 will be available by Q1 2010, but please don’t rely on this. It might be pushed back if they need to reconsider the configurations.
P.S. – If you ask me, Core i9 is going to be the best suited processor for HD 5870. People are assuming Core i7 + HD 5970 as OVERKILL!!
Now, let’s consider this, Intel Core i9 + ATI HD 5970 (5870X2)!!! What would that be?!!
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