In a moderately blatant attempt to steal
Phenom’s performance thunder, Intel has released samples of a top-end quad-core CPU that it isn’t due out for two to three months.
The QX9770 is architecturally identical to the current top-end
QX9650, but with a speed hike to 3.2GHz and a 1600MHz FSB. Its TDP (thermal design power) is up to a hefty 136W. Needless to say, it’s enormously fast, scoring a massive 2.45 compared to 2.19 for the QX9650 in the same test rig. Our initial tests suggest it’s hugely overclockable, too, running at 3.6GHz without a murmur of instability. You’ll have to wait to get your hands on one, though; Intel’s official word is only that it will be released in Q1 2008 and will cost “more than the current QX9650".