Introduced since 2008 and 2009, Intel launched its high performing Desktop processor range called the Intel Core i7 over the existing i5 range. Codenamed as Bloomfield and branded as Core i7 – 9xx along with the Xenon 3500 series and can share it’s server on Socket 1366 platform with other dual and single server processors.

Lynnfield is similar to the i5, but has Hyper-Threading disabled in the previous version. It uses a 2.5 GT/s Direct Media Interface and connects to Southbridge straight instead of using QPI interface and uses PCI Express links to connect to other devices in its Socket 1156. Finally, the mobile version of the i7 series from Intel comes under the name of Clarksfield. Arrandale (2010) was their latest product; this improved mobile processor is worth the while for smaller laptops and notebooks; maintaining expected quality and performance while outdoing its predecessor. The Arrandale used a Direct Media Interface as well, over Clarksfield as well as an Integrated GPU.

Intel Core i7 processors are high end processors for Desktop usage mostly, but their compatibility to other server based systems are amazing. Pricy as Intel processors are, the i7 range is rather viable as a product and has quite good market reception even with a higher price over its predecessors; the i3 and i5 still doing very well in the market. Speed and definition are the key features of the Intel Core i7 series, especially Bloomfield and they have amazing audio-video capacity. But the true champion of the i7 range is Gulftown; with its 6 cores, 32nm process and Hyper-treading up to 12 logical heads, Turbo Boost, Intel Quick Path and 12 MB cache, the Gulftown engulfs competition at its range. Looking at i7 in a technical view, each of the Intel Core i7 series processers have something unique of their own to give; it all depends on what you need it for. The Bloomfield and Lynnfield are more single user home platforms; while the Gulftown is more industrial; Clarksfield and Arrandale on that part are mobile processors.

As the requirement for high performance desktops gains momentum; few companies keep up with Intel’s quick response. Looking at ADM for example, they were still suffering from the inability to work better over their aging K-10 core designs. Intel on that front already had success with the Intel Core i7 series and they decided to launch the powerful Gulftown anyway. While in previous versions, the only differences between the latest and the last was little, the i7 – 980X by far out did the i7 – 975. With its 3.33 GHz Frequency capacity and 6.4 GT/s QPI, it simply overwhelmed its predecessor, the i7 Bloomfield. But looking at the prices you will face with the Gulftown, at about $1000 and some more, it’s more than thrice the price.

Overall, Intel’s success with the variety and range of the i7 series is overwhelming. With almost no competition it faces in this range of products; Intel Core i7 has become a market success unlike any other processors in 2 years. Specially noticing their careful branding and cautious and flexible pricing; Intel has managed to tap into the consumer market with a great product that will remain a brand of its own for quite a while to come now.

Tags: Bloomfield, i7, i7 test, intel, Intel Core i7, microprocessor