OFcGaming

It isn't easy keeping up with Intel's enigmatically code-named chip releases, but on Tuesday it launched a processor called "Lynnfield." What does that mean to you? In a nutshell, Lynnfield (AKA Core i7-860, Core i7-870, and Core i5-750) and the new Intel P55 Express chipset represent the hot mainstream processors for the next generation of Intel-based PCs. Based on the Nehalem Core i7 processors introduced last year, Lynnfield processors are more efficient, more capable, and cheaper. Our tests on the first systems to use the chips, the Velocity Micro Edge Z30 and Falcon Northwest Talon (Core i7-860) , show these chips deliver performance that used to be available only in $5K gaming boxes, for a fraction of the price.

The takeaway: If you're already running a Core i7 system with an up-to-date system (drivers, graphics card, etc.), you're in a good place and you should skip this rev. If you're running older quad-core hardware, then an upgrade may be important if you need a speedier system now.