5 Key Features Of Intel's New Core X Platform That Raise The Bar For System Builders

Intel Targets Enthusiast With Core X

Intel Tuesday launched its new Core X processor platform, targeted at the high-end enthusiast desktop market.

The company, which announced Core X at Computex in Taipei, said that its new processor lineup has the capabilities for advanced gaming, virtual reality and content creation.

"I’m proud to announce the new Intel Core X-series processor family: Intel’s most scalable, accessible and powerful desktop platform ever," said Gregory Bryant, general manager of Intel's Client Computing Group, in a statement. "Although every enthusiast is different depending on their interests, a common denominator is their hunger for the best performance. Our goal is to always deliver the best performance and, today, we are taking it to the next level."

Following are five features in Intel's Core X lineup that will wow enthusiast system builders.

Performance Boost

Santa Clara, Calif.-based Intel said that its new Core X lineup packs up to 10 percent faster multithread performance over its previous generation of chips, offering extreme performance and mega-tasking for gamers in the enthusiast segment. Core X processors also have up to 15 percent faster single-thread performance over the chips' previous generation, according to Intel.

The company said its newest processors pack "massive" 36-thread performance and quad-channel memory for content creation and extreme mega-tasking capabilities.

Core X Models

Intel's processor lineup is led by the new Intel Core i9 processor brand, which has up to 18 cores and 36 threads and is targeted at enthusiast customers. Intel's Core i9 Extreme Edition 9-7980XE model starts at $1,999 and is targeted at advanced gaming, virtual reality and content creation.

The Core i9 family has four lower tiers of processors which range from 10-core to 16-core versions with prices from $999 to $1,699, respectively.

Intel also introduced new Core i7 X-series processors, ranging from $339 for a quad-core, eight-thread model to $599 for an eight-core, 16-thread model, and a quad-core Core i5 processor starting at $242.

X299 Chipset

Intel also introduced its X299 chipset, which the company said has improved I/O capabilities. The X299 also features Intel's new LGA 2066 socket, which it said is compatible with its Core X-series processors.

Intel said that Intel X299 chipset supports Intel's recently released Optane memory and provides faster throughput times with DMI 3.0.

The X299 chipset will launch in the second quarter of 2017.

Upgraded Intel Turbo Boost Max

As a bonus feature for its new high-end chips, Intel upgraded its Turbo Boost Max Technology to offer a boost in performance for enthusiast systems. With its Turbo Boost Max Technology, Intel said Core X systems can dynamically overclock to higher speeds when necessary. This new upgraded technology allows the chip to identify two top-performing cores as the optimal cores and direct critical workloads to them for a jump in performance.

Open To Channel Partners

According to Intel, system and boxed processors are available through channel partners in all geographies.

"With our partners rolling out new Intel X299 chipset-based motherboards and complete desktop systems, consumers can look forward to getting their hands on the Intel Core X-series processor family in the coming weeks," said Intel's Bryant in the statement.

Intel is working with partners like iBuyPower, Acer, CyberPowerPC, and MainGear to bring its Core X-series to market.