Intel just released a couple of new processors under the Core i5 and i7 desktop lines that should cater to gamers and enthusiasts looking to get more performance from overclocking. Tagged as the Core i5-655K and Core i7-875K, these two new K-series processors come with mainstream price tags, but offer something that was previously limited to Intel’s high-end Extreme Edition chips: unlocked core multipliers that allow their clock speeds to be easily raised for better performance.
Both processors aren’t necessarily the best or fastest products on Intel’s Core ladder; in fact, they pretty much mirror the specs of the existing Core i7-870 with a 2.93GHz core clock, an 8MB L3 cache, and a 95W TDP and the Core i5-650 that sports a 3.2GHz core, 4MB cache and 73W TDP. The K designation (as well as the +5 on their model numbers) simply means that they’ve got unlocked clocks that are easier to tweak.
The prices aren’t bad either, probably to match AMD’s Black Edition processors that feature high OC ceilings at affordable, more consumer-friendly prices. The i7-875K is priced at $342, while the i5-655K will sell for $216: good for people looking for more performance without having to spend top dollar on Intel’s extremely costly Extreme Edition processors.
Tags: Core i5, Core i7, Desktops, Intel, Processors
