Been eager to get your fix of Intel Core "Sandy Bridge" processors? You're in luck, as the second-generation chips have now started to filter through to UK retail.
Launched a week ago today, the new Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7 parts feature a bevy of upgrades that raise the bar for processing power and integrated graphics capability. We won't revisit the finer details - you can read our review for those - but we will point out that we found the Sandy Bridge architecture to be " an improvement over 2010's Lynnfield chips in practically every way."
The performance numbers churned out by the Core i5 2500K and range-topping Core i7 2600K might have had you chomping at the bit, so here's a quick breakdown of Sandy Bridge availability from SCAN.co.uk:
| Model number | Cores / Threads |
GHz clock | Turbo Boost | Process | Cache | Graphics | Graphics speed | Intel US pricing (per 1Ku tray units) |
SCAN.co.uk* pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core i5 2300 | 4/4 | 2.80 | 3.10 | 32nm | 1MB L2 6MB L3 |
HD 2000 | 1,100MHz | $177 | £150.28 |
| Core i5 2400 | 4/4 | 3.10 | 3.40 | 32nm | 1MB L2 6MB L3 |
HD 2000 | 1,100MHz | $184 | £152.69 |
| Core i5 2500 | 4/4 | 3.30 | 3.70 | 32nm | 1MB L2 6MB L3 |
HD 2000 | 1,100MHz | $205 | £168.30 |
| Core i5 2500K | 4/4 | 3.30 | 3.70 | 32nm | 1MB L2 6MB L3 |
HD 3000 | 1,100MHz | $216 | £176.70 |
| Core i7 2600 | 4/8 | 3.40 | 3.80 | 32nm | 1MB L2 8MB L3 |
HD 2000 | 1,350MHz | $294 | £242.71 |
| Core i7 2600K | 4/8 | 3.40 | 3.80 | 32nm | 1MB L2 8MB L3 |
HD 3000 | 1,350MHz | $317 | £258.31 |
The entire Sandy Bridge range isn't yet available - we've yet to see any second-generation Core i3 models in stock - but SCAN does have the above Core i5 and Core i7 parts readily available. Pricing is almost exactly what we expected, and for those of you eyeing-up the overclocker-friendly(er) "K" chips, you'll find SCAN's £176 and £258 price tags to be very competitive.
Before you part with your hard earned, though, remember that all Sandy Bridge chips are designed to utilise the new LGA1155 socket. Upgrades on previous-generation motherboards are a no-go, so you'll need to fork out a little extra and pick up a supporting H67 or P67 board.
Any readers planning a Sandy Bridge build? Or has the change in chipset along with the more complicated overclocking process done enough to dissuade you? Let us know in the HEXUS.community forums, and if you've already placed your order, we're always intrigued to hear which parts and processors you've opted for.
*As always, UK-based HEXUS.community forum members will benefit from the SCAN2HEXUS Free Shipping initiative, which will save you a further few pounds plus also top-notch, priority customer service and technical support backed up by the SCANcare@HEXUS forum.
