How Intel’s Core X CPUs Will Bring New Power to Computer Designs

For years Intel’s Core i7 CPUs have been the gold standard of chips designed for high-end computers. But this year Intel introduced a new line of processors called the Intel Core X-Series that could bring new capabilities to this CPU model line. The X-Series includes Intel Core i7 (and i5) processors and adds the Intel Core i9, an entrant into the lineup that promises industry-leading power and strong competition to the highly regarded Advanced Micro Devices Ryzen processors. On the technical side, the Core X-Series is impressive, offering up to 18 cores and 36 threads, making it a suitable option for computers that need plenty of power for video, gaming, and many other compute- and graphics-intensive applications.

Intel’s Core X-Series processors include a wide range of CPUs with a broad range of capabilities. At the lowest end of the line is the Core i5, featuring four cores and four threads. X-Series also includes a host of Intel Core i7 models, as well as the Intel Core i9. Processor threads, cores and speeds vary depending on the chip.

The Intel Core i9 is the latest addition to the company’s processor lineup. As one might expect, the Intel Core i9 is more expensive than the Intel Core i5 and Intel Core i7, but has more cores and better performance than the lower-end models. Intel says the Core i9 is the choice for those who want the very best performance on the market.

Intel is offering several Core i9 processor versions, ranging from the 7000X to the 7980XE. The 7900X has 10 cores and 20 threads, while the top-notch Intel Core i9 7980XE has 18 cores and 36 threads. The latter model is expected to be the most powerful processor on the market.

The Intel Core X-Series is based on a 14nm process and, as discussed, tops out at 18 cores and 36 threads. The Intel Core i7 Extreme Edition has 10 cores and 20 threads, with a 25MB cache. Clock speeds will vary depending on user overclocking activities.

Intel noted its X-Series chips can be used in a variety of ways, including gaming and video-graphics tasks such as working with and encoding video. The processors should also be suitable for creatives who want to develop videos, photos or music, Intel says.

In a nod to gamers and enthusiasts, Intel’s Core X-Series chips are all available unlocked so users can overclock the chips to boost their speeds. Each core can be overclocked individually, and includes a voltage control for when the chips are being put to the test. The processors are also compatible with Intel’s Extreme Tuning Utility and Extreme Memory Profile tools.

The Intel X-Series works with the company’s Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0, which analyzes how the processor is operating and direct a user’s “most critical workloads” to the chip’s two fastest cores. The feature should improve usage across general tasks.

Intel’s X-Series supports the company’s Smart Cache technology. This enables all the chip’s cores access to last-level cache. This ensures data is available to the processor the instant users request access. The Smart Cache tool also features a power-saving feature that flushes memory to improve application performance.

The Intel Core X-Series might feature high-powered chips, but it’s surprisingly flexible. The chips can be integrated into notebooks and desktops. Intel also envisions the chips being used across a broad array of computers, including PCs and Macs. Look for Intel’s X-Series chips to play a prominent role in the computing space.

Pricing on Intel’s X-Series varies by the power, cores and threads customers need. And the series is powerful yet has some affordable chips. The Intel Core i7-7800X, for instance, starts at just $400. The lower-end Intel Core i7-5820L goes for $300. On the higher end, the Intel Core i7-6950X Extreme Edition is priced at $1,500. The Intel Core i9’s pricing isn’t available on the company’s site, but expect it to be even higher.