The buzz is contagious. Everyone who is interested in technology is talking about the release of the Intel Core i7 (Nehalem) processors, which is due to be launched in November 2008. One of the main reasons why everyone is excited about this launch is because the Intel Core i7 is drastically different from previous CPU generations.



The first notable difference is that the Intel Core i7 requires a motherboard that supports QuickPath. QuickPath is a technology that provides point to point high speed links to shared memory. This means you can expect outstanding memory performance. The Intel X58 and the MSI X58 motherboards both support QuickPath.

The second notable difference is that the memory controller is on the processor, and not on a separate chip. This means that the memory is directly connected to the CPU for better performance.

Many technology fans are looking forward to experiencing the performance that the 4 cores promise. Each of the 4 cores can process 2 threads simultaneously. To the operating system, the CPU thus appears as 8 processors.

The Core i7 only supports DDR3 RAM. Looking to synchronized with the launch date of Intel Core i7 processors, memory manufacturers like G.Skill Taiwan have released compatible 3GB and 6GB triple channel DDR3 memory kits. These memory kits have been timed perfectly to match the Intel Core i7 processor and the X58 motherboard chipset. As of writing, pricing and availability details have yet to be announced.

However, enthusiasts shouldn't have to wait too long as the Intel Core i7 is already scheduled to be launched in November. X58 motherboards are already available, and everyone is just waiting in anticipation for the launch of the next generation processor.

When you put the three components together, the X58 motherboard chipset, the Intel Core i7 processor and triple channel DDR3 memory, you get an immensely powerful machine with awesome computing power.

Each component offers a range of performance capabilities that can be tweaked and optimized. For this reason, overclockers, gamers, and enthusiasts will find it hard to resist owning these cutting edge hardware components. Machines equipped with these components can be tweaked for the optimal performance and run performance tests on the machines. This is a very fun, exciting and enjoyable experience.

Overclocking a computer can be risky business, as the wrong settings can potentially damage the hardware. This is largely because default cooling solutions are not yet fully developed to handle the extra heat produced from overclocking. Often, overclockers find themselves having to add additional cooling to the system to cope with the additional heat generated.

However, for the high-end hardware that we have just discussed, better cooling technology has been improved so that lesser cooling is required.

All in all, the Core i7 processor, the X58 motherboard and the DD3 memory kits look set to provide one of the most potent combinations in the exciting world of computers.