Intel just released the first ever 32nm six-core desktop processor to the market codenamed “œGulftown”. The Intel Core i7-980x Processor Extreme Edition has six-cores and with Intel’s Hyper-Threading Technology can give you 12 computing threads for incredible gaming and multitasking performance.
Not a lot of games right now utilize multiple threads but big games such as Crysis and Battlefield 2 will surely love the power of 12 threads. Smoother and realistic gaming can be achieved by distributing AI, physics and 3D rendering across the six cores. Digital publishing houses who want the best equipment possible will also get a lot of mileage with the 12 threads of the i7-980x.
This new processor is compatible with any motherboards supporting the X58 Express Chipset. All you need is a BIOS update to make your motherboard recognize the i7-980x.
The Intel Core i7-980x will have the same price point as that of the previous Core i7-975 at $999. The retail box however will come with Intel’s DBX-B Thermal Solution for the processor. There’s no word yet on when the price of the i7-975 will go down but if you’re planning to get one soon, go for the i7-980x instead.
