Intel boosts Extreme range

David Meyer ZDNet UK
Published: 17 Jul 2007

Intel has boosted its Core 2 Extreme processor lineup with new quad-core processors for desktop PCs and the first Extreme-branded laptop CPU.

The chipmaker announced on Monday that its new flagship desktop processor would be the Core 2 Extreme QX6850 ($999; £488), which is clocked at 3.0GHz and sports a 1333MHz system bus speed. The QX6850 is being pitched particularly at game developers, as the CPU can dedicate one core to physics, the second to rendering, the third to game logic and the fourth to miscellaneous tasks.

Also announced was another quad-core processor, the Core 2 Quad Q6700 ($530; £259) — clocked at 2.66GHz and with a system bus speed of 1066MHz — and several new dual-core processors boasting the new 1333MHz bus speed.

What was a first was the announcement of a mobile processor bearing Intel's Extreme branding, the Core 2 Extreme X7800 ($851; £416). Residing at the top end of Intel's notebook-oriented processor lineup, the X7800 is clocked at 2.6GHz and features an 800MHz front-side bus. This chip is aimed at "experienced enthusiasts who desire more capability" by virtue of the fact that its chip overspeed protection has been removed, thus making overclocking easier.

According to Intel, the X7800 has a 28 percent performance increase over the Core Duo T2600, which was Intel's top-end mobile processor a year ago, when dual-core processors became available for notebooks. "Laptops are the fastest-growing computing market segment, and there is increasing demand from those who crave the ultimate in video, gaming and design computing performance yet want the freedom and flexibility that a laptop brings," said Mooly Eden, Intel vice president and general manager of mobile platforms, on Monday.