Intel unveils 'most extreme' i9 processor

Johannesburg - Computer chip maker Intel has unveiled its latest Core i9 processor and Core X-Series range of processors at the Computex 2017 conference in Taipei. 

The new i9 will be the highest performance processor for advanced gaming, Virtual Reality and content creation. 

At the top of the lineup is the new Intel Core i9 Extreme Edition processor – the first consumer desktop CPU with 18 cores and 36 threads.

“This is by far the most extreme desktop processor ever introduced. With such a wide range of options and price points to match, the new Intel Core X-series processor family delivers the most scalable and accessible desktop platform for the enthusiast community,” said Gregory Bryant, senior vice-president and general manager of the of the Client Computing Group at Intel.

Intel’s new processors will be powering devices from Acer, Dell, Huawei, HP, Lenovo and Asus. 

READ: Intel teases new VR headset at CES

The Intel Core X-series processor family includes the Core i5 X Series, Core i7 X Series and Core i9 X Series.

“Along with this family of processors, we’re introducing the new Intel x299 chipset, which adds even more overclocking capabilities,” Bryant said.

Intel also announced that there would be updates to its Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0, which will now identify the two top performing cores and direct critical workloads to those cores for a big jump in single- or multithreaded performance.

“The possibilities with this type of performance are endless. Content creators can have fast image rendering, video encoding, audio production and real-time preview – all running in parallel seamlessly so they spend less time waiting and more time creating,” Bryant added. 

“Gamers can play their favourite game, while they also stream, record and encode their gameplay, and share on social media – all while surrounded by multiple screens for a 12K experience with up to four discrete graphics cards,” he said.

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