As you guys know Intel will be releasing Core i5 processors somewhere in the future, based on the 45nm Lynnfield architecture. These processors will have four cores.

Initially there will be three models released at launch, all are quad-core processors and based on the Lynnfield core, using 45nm fabrication process.

Some key features:

• Four x86 processing cores with support for HyperThreading technology
• Dual-channel DDR3 memory controller specified to run DDR3-1066 and DDR3-1333 modules
• 8 MB of L3 cache, and support for TurboBoost technology.

The three processors will have clock frequencies of 2.66 GHz, 2.80 GHz, and 2.93 GHz and priced respectively $196, $284, and $562 USD, which does seem rather expensive judging from the performance you can see below.

Benchmarks through an Asian site (xfastest) have leaked now showing the 2.66GHz model clocked processor.Not only pictures of a Core i5 processor and one of Intel's reference motherboard has been posted, but also some quickly managed benchmarks.

The processor operates at 2.66GHz and among the benchmarks we find some pure processor tests in the form of Cinebench 10 and Everest, where we can do a quick comparison with some of our own tests with AMD's and Intel's latest processors.

What is surprising is that Core i5 doesn't seem to be able to keep up with Intel's Core i7 920 processor operating at the same clock frequency. The processor however it is pretty much on par with AMD's flagship Phenom II X4 955. Yet the Core i5 2.66 Ghz model would cost 284 USD at start while you can purchase Phenom II X4 for $245.00 (see here) already.

This is going to be an interesting launch alright.