Intel's 32nm Core i3/i5 in pre-order

Over a month before Intel will officially launch its new Core i3/5 dualcore processors, a German webshop has already added the new models as pre-orders. The online catalog shows two Core i3 models, the 530 and 540. These two models feature a clock frequency of respectively 2,93 and 3,06 GHz, which is locked due to the absence of Turbo boost. The CPUs do support Hyperthreading, allowing an operating system to work with four virtual cores. The integrated DirectX 10 GPU in these Core i3 chips is clocked at 733 MHz.

At the moment, these entry-level 32nm dualcores with integrated videochip cost 103,90 and 120,90 for respectively the i3 530 and i3 540. In the Core i5 series, the existing i5 750 quadcore will be joined by four 32nm dualcore 'Clarkdale' chips. These new models are branded Core i5 650, 660, 661 and 670, clocked at 3,2 GHz for the cheapest and 3,46 GHz for the most expensive model. Apart from these higher clock frequencies, the Core i5 models of Intel's new 32nm dualcores also support TUrbo Boost, allowing the frequencies to be increased when adequate cooling is present.

A remarkable processor is the Core i5 661: it is the only chip in the entire Clarkdale family to feature a higher GPU clock frequency, 900 MHz rather than the conventional 733 MHz. This does affect the TDP, which rises to 83 Watt. All other chips have an estimated TDP of 73 Watt. The pricetags of the Core i5 6xx models range from 160,90 for the 3,2 GHz model to 252,90 for the 3,46 GHz chip. The Core i5 660 and 661 can both be pre-ordered at a price of 175,90.