Intel launches new Core i3, i5 and i7 CPUs

Intel Philippines today launched a new series of Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7 processors for 2010 along with a host of new motherboards and laptops from several partner manufacturers.

Intel’s Core i3 and Core i5 processors are targeted towards mainstream consumers while the Core i7 will continue to be for marketed for enthusiasts and gamers.

The main difference between the Core i3 and the Core i5 is that the latter will have Turbo-Boost (the auto-overclocking feature). The Core i3 has Hyperthreading (HT) comes in 2.93GHz and 3.06GHz for the desktop and 2.13GHz and 2.26GHz on laptops.

On the other hand, the Core i5 will come in 2.40Ghz, 2.66GHz, 3.2GHz, 3.33GHz and 3.46Ghz. The i5-7xx will have 4 cores and 4 threads while the i5-6xx will only have 2 cores and 4 threads. All Core i5 CPUs have Turbo Boost and HT enabled.

The Core i7 will have the lowest clock-speed of 2.66GHz and highest of 3.2GHz. There will also be HT and Turbo Boost in these chips. PC Manufacturers also showed some of their new laptop models running the new processors. The ones present were Acer, Asus, Neo, MSI, Dell and Toshiba.

Intel also showcased their new built-in graphics chip which they named Graphics Media Accelerator HD (Intel GMA HD) which comes with the Core i3 and i5. There’s also this ULV (ultra-low voltage) Core i5-520UM that’s rated at 1.06GHz but over-clocks to 1.86GHz with turbo boost. That’s dual core with 4 threads so expect upcoming ultraportable, thin and light notebooks to sport this CPU soon.

Intel did not indicate the prices for each of the CPUs but refers us to partners (Villman, etc.) which will list them down before end of January. However, based on existing price range of current Core i5 and Core i7 processors in the market, I’d say these new CPUs will be priced between Php7,000USD 119INR 10,112EUR 114CNY 869 to Php12,000USD 204INR 17,335EUR 195CNY 1,489 (excluding the i7).