Irasshaimase! Stores in Tokyo districts such as Akihabara have launched sales of Intel's Core i7 processor, due to be officially rolled out on Monday.


Sofmap store in Akihabara is selling boxed Core i7 processors

(Credit: Sofmap)The Core i7 represents the vanguard of Intel's new Nehalem microarchitecture. The i7 is a desktop processor targeted initially at gaming boxes.

Major retailer Sofmap, for example, is showing Core i7 processors, motherboards, and systems on its Web site.

Sofmap lists the boxed Core i7-920 (2.66GHz) at 32,800 yen or close to $340. The i7-940 (2.93GHz) is listed at 63,800 yen or about $660. The high-end i7-965 (3.20GHZ) goes for 112,800 yen or $1,160.

A series of i7-920 processors bundled with Windows Vista Home Premium "DSP version" are shown ranging in price from 45,800 yen ($470) to 54,800 yen ($565).

Specification details (listed by Sofmap) include: LGA1366 socket, Quick Path Interconnect (QPI) rated at 4.8GT/sec (gigatransfers per second), 8MB L3 cache, and a 130 watt TDP (Thermal Design Power).

The DSP, or Delivery Service Provider, verion of Windows Vista is being promoted heavily in Japan and is typically bundled with other components.


Sofmap advertisement for Core i7

(Credit: Sofmap)Motherboards and systems are also on sale. Motherboards are based on the Intel X58 chipset. DDR3 memory is being promoted along with the i7 too.

Tower systems using the Core i7 chip range in price from 179,800 yen ($1,852) to 219,800 yen ($2,264).

Computerworld reported that "several hundred people crowded stores" that opened around 10 p.m. Saturday night. The top-of-the-line 965 chip sold out, according to one retailer.

Intel Core i7 chip launches in Tokyo | Nanotech - The Circuits Blog - CNET News

Posted By: echrada
16 Nov 2008