Processors Toolkit

Intel Core i7-965 Extreme Edition review

System configurations
Intel Core i7-956 Extreme Edition
Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit; Intel DX58SO motherboard 4GB Kingston 1,066MHz DDR3 SDRAM; 1GB Nvidia GeForce GTX 280 graphics card; 74GB Western Digital 10,000 rpm hard drive

Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9650
Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit; Asus Maximus Formula Special Edition motherboard; 4GB 800MHz DDR2 SDRAM; 1GB Nvidia GeForce GTX280; 74GB Western Digital 10,000 rpm hard drive

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Overview

Intel Core i7-965 Extreme Edition

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Editors rating: 8.7

Verdict

Thanks to an expensive new motherboard requirement, Intel's new Core i7 (Nehalem) desktop processors will remain enthusiast and professional-level parts until more affordable complementary hardware comes out next year. Speed never comes cheap, however, and if you're willing to spend for it now, you'll find yourself with the fastest CPU on the market.