Intel pulls-in launch of Core i7 Extreme ‘Haswell-E’ 5000 to Q2

Intel Corp. has decided to speed up introduction of its next-generation microprocessors and platforms designed for enthusiasts who demand maximum performance. The new Core i7 Extreme “Haswell-E” chips along with Intel X99-based mainboards will be introduced at Computex Taipei 2014 in early June, several months before planned originally, according to sources with knowledge of Intel’s plans.

Intel’s “Haswell-E” central processing unit will be Intel’s first desktop processor to feature up to eight cores based on the Haswell micro-architecture with Hyper-Threading technology. The new chips will integrate 20MB of L3 cache, quad-channel DDR4 memory controller (2133MHz maximum clock-speed, up to one DIMM per channel), Turbo Boost 2 technology as well as 40 integrated PCI Express 3.0 lanes. The processor is made using 22nm process technology.

The new Core i7 “Haswell-E” 5000-series central processing units will be compatible with Intel X99 chipset as well as LGA2011-3 socket. The platform will be tailored for enthusiasts, so it will support very flexible tuning and overclocking capabilities, up to five devices in PCI Express 2.0/3.0 x8 mode (four graphics cards and one enthusiast-class solid-state drive in PCIe card form-factor), ten Serial ATA-6Gb/s ports, up to six USB 3.0 ports (14 USB ports in total), various Intel technologies like Rapid Storage, Rapid Recover and so on.

Intel Core i7-5000-series “Haswell-E” processor in LGA2011-3 packaging. Image by VR-Zone web-site.

Previously it was believed that Intel will introduce the Core i7 “Haswell-E” 5000-series CPUs in the third quarter of 2014, in August or September. However, it looks like the company decided to speed up the things quite a bit: the new high-end desktop (HEDT) platform from Intel will be unveiled at Computex Taipei 2013 trade-show and will reach the market shortly after that.

The launch of the Core i7 “Haswell-E” microprocessor and Intel X99 “Wellsburg” core-logic will have a major influence on the market of PC hardware. In particular, makers of motherboards will introduce all-new mainboards based on the latest chipset and feature a bunch of innovations, such as new overclocking and tuning capabilities, Thunderbolt 2.0, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, advanced integrated audio and so on. Manufacturers of memory modules will have to roll-out their DDR4 memory sticks earlier than expected. Developers of cooling systems will also likely launch their new products in mid-2014. Finally, boutique PC makers will also have to unveil new systems featuring the new HEDT platform.
Intel did not comment on the news-story.

KitGuru Says: Given that the market of PCs remain to be slow, it is surprising to see Intel pulling-in HEDT introduction by a quarter. While the new flagship Core i7-5960X “Haswell-E” microprocessor will be rather unique, it will aimed at only a fraction of the market and will hardly bring a lot of revenue to the chip giant. Perhaps, Intel is shifting its attitude towards desktops in general?

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