It must be fun having the fastest desktop processor going, as you earn the right to charge whatever premium you desire.
With competitors struggling to compete in the ultra high-end space, that's where Intel often finds itself and its latest greatest - the Core i7 975 Extreme Edition - will arrive in stores next week with a wallet-busting price tag of around $1,130.
The chip, clocked at 3.33GHz and equipped with 8MB of L3 cache, features D0 stepping - a change that tends to suggest a refined silicon package that could result in lower power consumption and should provide greater overclocking headroom.
Although yet to be officially launched by Intel, the Core i7 975 Extreme Edition is expected to replace the existing Core i7 965 Extreme Edition and is being listed by a number of etailers - one of which suggests a U.S. launch on May 31st.
It's mega expensive, sure, but then the fastest of them all always is. Those looking for something just a tad more palatable will note that Intel will also be introducing a second new Nehalem-based part, the Core i7 950. The not-so-extreme but still mighty quick chip will be clocked at 3.06GHz and includes 8MB of L3 cache - it'll replace the Core i7 940, and could be yours for just $649.
Want to know just how quick the 975 Extreme Edition is before you place your order? Stay tuned for our forthcoming review.
