Intel Announces Newest 3rd-generation Mobile CPU, Core i7 Extreme Processor Breaks 3GHz Barrier

The Intel Core i7-3940XM Extreme Edition mobile processor has been announced and delivers the company’s first mobile CPU to break the 3GHz processor.

The quad-core processor replaces the company’s 2.9GHz Core i7-3920XM chip as its fastest mobile option.

Intel’s i7-3940XM uses the company’s 22-nanometer architecture found on the Ivy Bridge. Also featured on the processor is 256KB L2 cache per core, and 2MB of L3 cache per core. The Core i7-3940XM also features an unlocked multiplier for overclocking.

Turbo Boost technology is also featured which boosts performance to 3.7 GHz for 4 active cores, 3.8 GHz for 2 active core, and 3.9 GHz for a single active core.

The processors thermal design power (TDP) also features 55 Watts and is aimed at notebooks 17+ inches in size.

Intel is claiming a 3% advantage over Core i7-3920XM.

According to ZDNet:

“Like other Ivy Bridge parts, this processor features a built-in GPU, Intel’s HD 4000 series GPU. While not up to the task of high-end gaming, this GPU is more than adequate for day-to-day use and eliminates the need for a separate graphics card.”

The new 3GHz+ processor is not cheap at $1,096, the same pricing as featured on Intel’s Core i7-3920XM, Core i7-2960XM, and Core i7-2920XM processors.

Here is a chart showcasing the main features of the Core i7-3940XM Extreme Edition:

Are you willing to spend $1100 on the company’s newest Ivy Bridge processor?