What Is Intel's New Core i9 CPU Line?

This guide explains what is Intel's new core i9 CPU line in plain language. It covers the core idea, how it works, and the practical details that matter most.

This super-fast monster is also one of the first in the new Core X series of performance-oriented CPUs - with both i5 and i7. The first group uses a new CPU socket - LGA2066, which means the main motherboard upgrades with the processor.

• How to assemble CPUs from Intel and AMD
• Which CPU to choose to meet both price and performance requirements?
• Which company CPU should I choose: Intel or AMD?

What's New in Intel Core i9?

Referring to the challenge AMD poses for the 16-core Threadripper, the Core i9 series is also pushing the total number of cores and threads on all Intel processors. I9-7900X has 10 cores and 20 threads (same as previous flagships), with larger and better upgrades in the i9-7920X, i9-7940X, i9-7960X and i9-7980XE processors providing 12, 14, 16 and 18 cores respectively. This will lead to a large increase in processing speed and multi-tasking capabilities.

The i9 series also supports four-channel RAM (Quad-channel) DDR4 memory at speeds of up to 2666mHz, significantly faster than previous Core i7 chips. Intel Core i9 series will be the first CPUs to be integrated Intel Turbo Boost Max Technology 3. 0 new generation technology.

All new chips will require a new 2066-pin microprocessor socket and with a power consumption of 140 watts or more and a liquid cooling mode.

Speed of Intel Core i9

The initial benchmarks showed an improvement of about 10-15% compared to the previous top versions. According to PC World, it is fast enough to become the most consumed CPU by Intel.

This is just the beginning, the 7900X processor costs 1000 USD. However, other processors will cost US $ 1200, US $ 1, 400, and US $ 1, 700 and currently the highest priced version is the 18-core i9-7980xE for US $ 2000. It sounds a bit expensive, but compared to previous i7 processors like the 6950X (which has been beaten by the new 10-core version of i9), it's only a few hundred dollars more. If performance is balanced by adding cores to more expensive chips, we will see that its speed is truly reliable.

Ryzen Chip

AMD's new flagship processor is also hot on Intel's heels, not at speed but at a different value. Competition for i9 and other Intel X-series processors will certainly be the leading Threadripper - AMD Ryzen processor with 12-core and 16-core versions released later this year. Threadripper offers some impressive improvements in design, like a 60 lane connection for PCle components.

Threadripper or other Ryzen chips cannot match Intel's speed. However, for typical gamers, AMD has the upper hand with competitive performance and much lower prices. Threadripper's 16-core version is said to cost $ 850, only half the price of an equivalent Intel Core i9 chip.

However, if you are planning to create a powerful computer with Intel's i9 chips, the only way is to wait for this super-powerful chip release date.