Intel Core i7 Processors: Nehalem and X58 Have Arrived

Over the past few weeks, a number of memory and accessory manufacturers have announced products for the Core i7 / X58 Express chipset in anticipation of the platforms arrival. 

 
Corsair and Qimonda Triple-Channel DDR3 Memory Kits

To date, we have already received a triple-channel DDR3-1600 memory kit from Corsair, that features an updated heatsink assembly, reminiscent of the company's Dominator DHX line of products. These Corsair TR3X6G1600C8D DIMMs feature 8-8-8-20 timings, a 1.65v voltage, and a 2GB capacity each, for a total of 6GB in a triple channel configuration. We also received a set of Qimonda DDR-1066 modules that operate at 1.65v as well. The Qimonda triple channel kit consists of three 1GB modules, for a total of 3GB, with 7-7-7-20 timings. 

 
Stock Intel Core i7 and Core 2 Coolers, Side by Side

We figured this would also be a good time to show you the size difference of the stock Core i7 cooler as it relates to a Core 2 cooler, and a new high-end air-cooler from Thermalright. As you can see in the images above, the new stock Core i7 LGA 1366 cooler has a significantly larger diameter than the Core 2 LGA 775 cooler. There use a similar plastic push-pin locking mechanism, but the pins are spread further out on the Core i7 cooler. Current LGA 775 coolers will not fit the new LGA 1366 socket. 

 
Thermalright Ultra-120 eXtreme RT for Core i7

Enthusiasts need not worry though, as Thermalright, and others, are either new high-end heatsinks or new mounting hardware for existing heatsinks to support Intel's new socket. The Thermalright Ultra-120 eXtreme RT pictured here is what we used to overclock the Core i7 Extreme 965 to over 4.1GHz, and it did so with minimal noise output thanks to its dense array of heatsink fins, six heatpipes, and 120mm fan.