Core i7-875K and Core i5-655K are available for pre-order

Core i7-875K and Core i5-655K are 32nm microprocessors with unlocked core multiplier that are expected next month. Both CPUs are based on enhanced Nehalem micro-architecture, and feature Turbo Boost and HyperThreading technologies. The i7-875K operates at 2.93 GHz, and has 4 cores and 8 MB L3 cache. The i5-655K runs at 3.2 GHz, and has two cores and 4 MB L3 cache. Official pricing for these microprocessors is not known yet, but it could be estimated from prices posted today by Provantage.com online store. The prices are provided below. For easier comparison we added Core i7-870 and i5-650 microprocessors, which, with the exception of unlocked clock multiplier, are identical to Core i7-875K and Core i5-655K models.

Core i5-650 - $198.64
Core i5-655K - $237.34
Core i7-870 - $590.64
Core i7-875K - $370.48

The first good news is the fact that processors can be pre-ordered in US online store. The first Intel's non-Extreme CPU with unlock clock multiplier, Pentium 6500K, was distributed only in China, and can be acquired in US by ordering directly from China or Hong Kong, or buying it on eBay. The second good news is that we'll see significant price drop for Core i7 line of processors when the new part is launched - that is if the price for the i7-875K is correct. The i5-655K is priced $40 higher than the locked Core i5-650, but the price difference may go down a bit as pre-order prices tend to be on a high side.

Update: If you're not in the mood to wait for cheap Core i7-875K, then you can buy Core i7-875K Engineering Sample right now from eBay for $550, or from Taobao for 9999 yuan, or $1,464.75.