IDG News Service - Intel released new Core i5 and Core i7 desktop processors on Friday that can be overclocked, giving users the flexibility to ramp up the clock speed to boost application performance.
The new chips include the quad-core Core i7-875K processor, which runs at 2.93GHz, and the dual-core Core i5-655K, which runs at 3.2GHz.
Intel is trying to bring flexibility into its chip offerings from which users can benefit, said Dan Snyder, an Intel spokesman. PC makers have been asking for unlocked chips, Snyder said.
The Core i7-875K includes 8MB of cache and can run at speeds of up to 3.6GHz. The chip is made using the older 45-nanometer process and draws 95 watts of power. It is priced at $342.
The Core i5-655K includes 4MB of cache and can run at speeds of up to 3.46GHz. The chip is made using the current 32-nanometer process and draws 73 watts of power. It is priced at $216.
The processors integrate memory controllers and are able to run two threads per core simultaneously, which helps boost application performance. The chips are available worldwide, and companies including Asustek Computer and MSI are offering motherboards for the processors.
The new chips come ahead of the Computex trade show next week in Taipei, where Intel is expected to make new chip announcements.
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