Core i7 Speed Targets Set

Each time we start shipping PCs with a brand new generation of CPUs (like the Core i7's) we have to build enough systems to get a good feel for the overclock range of the chips before we can publish minimum overclock speeds. This happens because all CPU's are not created equal, and some roll off the Intel or AMD assembly line with a greater overclocking potential than the others.

That time has come. We'd like to thank those of you who took the plunge by ordering systems from us without knowing a minimum speed. Here is what you can expect from our Core i7 PCs:

Core i7-920: 3.5GHz
Core i7-940: 3.7GHz
Core i7-965: 3.9GHz

Again, those are minimum values, and many of our customers will receive faster chips, but this is what we can guarantee.

We did a side-by-side comparison of a 4.0GHz Core2-based PC and a 3.5GHz Core-i7, both with the same video card (4870X2) and 4GB of memory - the i7 was about 20% faster in most games. So while the Core2 Ion is still an excellent choice for the cost-conscious, you really are getting something for the extra money with the Fury.