Decide first if you want to overclock your new PC or not. At least one computer hardware enthusiast website has discovered issues with how the Core i5 750, Core i7 860, and Core i7 870 CPUs, mainly with how they interact with compatible motherboards. Push these processors to the limit, and you might end up frying both the motherboard and CPU, rendering them useless.
All PC motherboards feature a CPU socket, which is where the processor is installed (or “seated”) to run the rest of the computer’s components. Ideally, once installed as instructed, all the CPU pins should maintain good contact …read more

The first to make use of Intel’s recently launched mobile Core i7 chips (codenamed “Clarksfield”), the specs of the Alienware M15x indicate that the company’s marketing is right on target. No doubt maxing out the configuration will result in a $4000+ laptop. However, at the starting price of $1500, here’s what you get:

512MB NVIDIA GeForce GT 240M
Intel Core i7 720QM 1.6GHz (2.8 GHz Turbo Mode, 6MB Cache)
15.6-inch WideHD+ 1600 x 900 – WLED
Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit
3GB DDR3 – 1066MHz
250GB 5,400RPM
Internal Wireless Bluetooth 2.1+ Enhanced Data Rate
Slot-Loading Dual Layer DVD Burner (DVD+-RW, CD-RW)
Ports:

IEEE 1394a (4-pin) port
Integrated Gigabit Ethernet …read more

Computer hardware enthusiasts online are busy hanging out at Tom’s Hardware, discussing the potentials and pitfalls of Intel’s new processors, the Core i5 750 (2.66Ghz), Core i7 860 (2.8Ghz), and the Core i7 870 (2.93 Ghz).
Codenamed Lynnfield, these CPUs supposedly enjoy the benefits of a new memory and bus interface, withthe integration of some of the northbridge’s functions into the chip itself. As enthusiasts and their favorite websites run these new thingamajigs through your typical benchmark and stress tests, it remains to be seen if the improvements represent long-term improvements over Intel’s previous generation CPUs, and the older i7s.
The new …read more

You probably know Intel’s Core i7 architecture as the manufacturer’s latest high-end consumer offering. And you’re probably aware that investing in these expensive processors also require an expensive overhaul of your desktop hardware for compatibility and maximization. But not that much, according to Anandtech:
Despite the high cost of the CPU and the uniqueness of some components, we have shown that it is possible to build a complete high performance Core i7 system for as little as $1450. That price is for a system with 1TB hard drive, Blu-ray player/DVD burner, a Radeon HD 4870 1GB video card, 1920×1080 monitor, keyboard/mouse, …read more