2012-12-21-131

[Rumour] Intel to release 3.6 GHz Core i5

Intel is set to release an update to its current fastest dual-core, theCore i5 670. The new Core i5 680 will feature a 27x multiplier, thusclocking at 3.6 GHz.

Price and release dates are not known for certain, though $284 and Q22010 are most likely.

The IGP remains clocked at the same 733 MHz, and the TDP remains at 73W. At $284, the Core i5 680 will be a bit of a tough sell against the quad-core Core i7 860. Interestingly, we might even have six-core Phenom II X6 CPUs releasing around the same time at a similar price point, though clocked much lower.

While the Core i5 680 will be Intel's fastest clocked CPU in ages, it is not the fastest. That distinction is held be the Pentium XE 965 at 3.73 GHz or affectionately known as the thermal reactor.

Intel will be refreshing the top end of their Core i3/i5/i7 line-up in Q2, so the Core i5 680 will be a part of this trilogy of refreshes.

Reference: Fudzilla