Intel recently detailed its strategy with the Core brand, and its various brand-modifiers (namely i3, i5, i7, and i9). The move to give some LGA-1156 processors the Core i7 modifier, based on the performance level they offer, particularly sparked off several debates about if the move actually benefits the consumers as much as it does to Intel. Back then, Intel did not divulge much about a number scheme that characterizes LGA-1156 Core i7 processors from their LGA-1366 counterparts. Fresh information suggests that Intel may have one such number-scheme in place that will demystify its lineup.

The LGA-1156 socket lineup will be spearheaded by quad-core desktop chips that will start selling from September 8, tentatively. These consist of a 2.66 GHz part, a 2.80 GHz part, and another 2.93 GHz one. Sources revealed much earlier that these could be priced US $194, $284, and $562, respectively. Among these three, the 2.66 GHz part lacks HyperThreading technology in its feature-set, and hence, will be placed in the Core i5 series. To further clarify the lineup, the following model numbers have been suggested:

• Core i7 870 - 2.93 GHz, LGA-1156, 8 MB L3 cache, HTT
• Core i7 860 - 2.80 GHz, LGA-1156, 8 MB L3 cache, HTT
• Core i5 750 - 2.66 GHz, LGA-1156, 8 MB L3 cache, HTT not available

Notice the Core i5 part to get the 700-series model number scheme, while the others, the 800-series. Currently the SKUs did not intrude into the Core i7 900 series, where Intel's Bloomfield-based LGA-1366 socket processors are positioned.

All three models listed above have rated TDP at 95W. Intel is also planning low-power versions of these chips. The Core i7 860S will be clocked at 2.53 GHz (while retaining the feature-set of Core i7 800 series), and a certain model clocked at 2.40 GHz. Both these chips have slightly lower TDPs at 82W. There is no official word from Intel on these details.

Sources: TechConnect Magazine, PC Watch