The Core i5 is similar in size to the Core 2 Quad, but the former is LGA 1156 socket-based, while the Core 2 Quad uses the LGA 775 socket.

CORP TALK: Intel Corporation has introduced the new Core i5 processor family, two new Core i7 processors and an Intel Xeon 3400 processor series today. This brings Intel’s Nehalem microarchitecture to the mainstream desktop and entry server space.

The series was formerly codenamed “Lynnfield”, and these processors are aimed for digital media, productivity, gaming and demanding apps. These processors, together with the Intel P55 express chipset, are available as of today.

Not since the invention of the PCI bus in the 1990s has there been a new chipset that promises revolutionary design. The P55 Express Chipset forms the baseline or building block for all Intel-based motherboards, as it now centrally handles all input/output and manageability functions on the board.

Ths Core i7 and i5 processors are also the first to integrate both a 16-lane PCI Express controller with dual graphics support and 2-channel memory controller, making the single-chipset handle possible.

The architecture now links the processor and chipset via a Direct Media Interface (DMI), with support for 8 PCI Express 2.0 ports, dual graphics cards (2 x 8 configuration), up to 14 USB 2.0 ports and 6 SATA 3Gbps ports with RAID levels 0/1/5/10.

For all you visual types, here’s a video on how the Core i7 was made:

HardwareZone.com Singapore has published a review of the Core i5 and i7 processors here. (Editor opinions: 2)

Paolo Manzano, Managing Editor, HWM Philippines

Paolo (HWM Philippines): It’s about time that Intel brought these CPUs into the mainstream as the initial salvo of Core i7 was too steep in price for the regular consumer.

As for P55, it’s been long overdue.

The infusion of a new chipset, especially from Intel and backed by big marketing dollars, into the market should somehow give some stimulus into an otherwise slowed down PC component scene.

Vijay Anand, Editor, HardwareZone.com

Vijay (HardwareZone.com): The new Power Control Unit (PCU) of the Lynnfield processors are amazing!

For the first time, we’ve a multi-core processor which is clever enough to efficiently use its resources — either by ramping up the clock speed for lightly threaded jobs or powering up extra cores for heavier tasks at reduced turbo speeds.

Effectively, the PCU is ensuring you get the most bang for the buck without user intervention. Think of it as overclocking controlled by A.I. within the design specifications of the chip — now that’s progress.