The Key features of the new CPUs include the return of Intel's famous HyperThreading technology, meaning that the CPUs can work on 8 threads at the same time, double that of the Core 2 Quad CPUs that were the top of the line CPU in the previous generation. The new CPUs are faster in applications that take advantage of multiple cores, which means that programs installed on your computer that can take advantage of multi-core technology will run much faster. As of now the 920 is slated to hit the streets for $284 in a few weeks. The hardcore gamer wanting the most out of their Core i7 CPU will want the 965 which will run $999, a bit higher in price, but for those who must have the best at the moment this is it folks.
The middle ground CPU this round is the 2.83GHz 940, but this CPU doesn't offer enough of a performance difference between the 920 and 965 to warrant purchasing it over them from a performance versus price comparison viewpoint. The 920 seems to have the most overclocking room as well, meaning that those looking for the best value among Intel's new offerings would want the core i7 920 and an X58 motherboard from ASUS. SLI works out of the box for the first time on an Intel mainstream motherboard chipset, meaning those that want two NVIDIA video cards or two ATI cards now have the choice.
Intel's board did not support SLI, which is strange considering that all the other licensed motherboards did from launch date. I guess Intel is more geared towards licensing the chipset than actually producing their own board at this time. I believe that Intel's later released boards will support SLI like the other retail boards we have seen. Intel has come up with a new twist in multi-core technology and like usual the programmers will have to work a few late nights to get the software up to speed to Intel's new CPU line, but when that happens, expect big performance increases in many of your daily software applications. Intel has once again advanced the technological bubble and breathed a little fresh air into the industry, and given us reviewers some new products to test and evaluate. My final words on this release are this: The new CPUs are cool, but won't be fully supported in many applications for a little time, the X58 chipset on the other hand is very interesting and has many features that make it appealing to a broad spectrum of users.
