New desktop Intel CPUs in February 2011

With the impending release of new Sandy Bridge microprocessors later this month, we decided to take a look at the upcoming models. Based on information, published by Intel, in February Intel will launch three models from Core i3 family. According to reports from other hardware news sites, Intel may also introduce Core i7 Extreme Edition i7-990X.

Planned Intel Core i3 microprocessors include two standard-power (65 Watt) versions, Core i3-2100 and i3-2120, and low-power Core i3-2100T with 35 Watt TDP. 65 Watt CPUs operate at 3.1 GHz and 3.3 GHz, while the 2100T works at 2.5 GHz. The processors feature two CPU cores with HyperThreading, and 3 MB L3 cache. The chips are expected to work in the same socket 1155 motherboards as their Core i5 and Core i7 counterparts. One of new models, Core i3-2120, popped up earlier this month on eBay in Howard Technology company store, priced at $187. It seems, the seller ended the auction early, therefore none of the CPUs were sold. Currently the i3s are available for pre-order from a handful of stores. Core i3-2100 is listed for $133 - $150, Core i3-2120 parts are in $157 - $175 price range, and Core i3-2100T is priced at $145 - $150. The Core i3 processors will be released on February 20th.

In February Intel will also introduce new flagship consumer CPU, Core i7-990X. This six-core chip has 133 MHz higher clock frequency than Core i7-980X, while retaining all other features of the 980X. As disclosed by other news sites, this model will launch on February 27 with official $999 price in 1K quantities. Last month we reported that the processor was shipped in HP Pavilion Elite 580t and 590t desktop PC series. Shortly after that, the CPU was pulled from the HP order pages, and disappeared from specifications of these PCs. In February the processor was seen shipping in Europe. No stores in US currently have this model for sale. The 990X CPU carries $1,229.99 price tag on MWave.com, and "Bottom Line Telecommunications" online store lists this model for $1108.22.

Earlier reports maintained February's launch of two other Sandy Bridge processors, Core i5-2390T on February 20th, and Pentium G620T on February 27th. None of these processors appear on the Q1 roadmap, that we've seen. Pentium G620T is now placed in the second quarter, and, apparently, it may launch along with other budget second-generation CPUs. Core i5-2390T is not on the roadmap at all, and Intel ARK database shows "To Be Decided" (TBD) launch date for the CPU. Whether this model will be released in February, in the second quarter, or not launched at all, remains to be seen.

Details on forthcoming processors are summarized in the table below:

Model	Cores	Threads	Frequency	Turbo Frequency	L3 cache	Socket Type	TDP	Price
Core I3-2100	2	4	3.1 GHz	N/A	3 MB	Socket 1155	65 Watt	$117
Core I3-2100T	2	4	2.5 GHz	N/A	3 MB	Socket 1155	35 Watt	$127
Core I3-2120	2	4	3.3 GHz	N/A	3 MB	Socket 1155	65 Watt	$138
Core I5-2390T	2	4	2.7 GHz	3.5 GHz	3 MB	Socket 1155	35 Watt	$195
Core I7-990X	6	12	3.46 GHz	3.73 GHz	12 MB	Socket 1366	130 Watt	$999