If you imagined that after Core 2 Duo the processor name would be like Core 3 Trio, or Core 3, but NO the new name convention sounds totally different, Core i7. Statements have come over what i7 really means and whether it’s an iApple inspiration, but Intel has promised all will become clear soon enough.
The Core 2 Duo processor architecture is being upgraded to a new processor. Previously codename "Nehalem", Intel has decided to stick with the "Core" branding for its processors, but is giving its processor the new designation "i7".There will be several "Intel Core i7 processors", including an "Extreme Edition" version (which some UK tech sites like to call the "Extremely Expensive" edition), but there will, according to Intel, be "several new identifiers to come" throughout 2009.
Intel is promising "high performance and energy efficiency" in a "best of both worlds" approach, which Intel says "is expected to extend Intel's processor leadership in future mobile, desktop and server market segments."
Of course Intel would say that – no-one would want to upgrade otherwise, but apparently there are 8 core and even 16 core models to come, taking us all into the true multi-core era at last.
We’ll see i7 processors come into sight at the end of this year, 2009 will be the year that i7 processors really take centre stage.
Even though i7 is not a number that exactly flows on from the current "Core 2 Duo" designation, Intel says to "believe it or not, this new naming scheme should make it easier for PC buyers to decide which technology is right for them."
Intel also says that "the Intel Core processor will become the foundation, the primary client brand going forward, with individual identifiers distinguishing different features and capabilities with the family of processors."
