Ivy Bridge PCs: The first wave
The first desktops and laptops with Intel's newest Ivy Bridge processors have arrived at CNET. Will they change your PC experience significantly? Read our full reviews.
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Intel's latest CPUs will be rolling out in various waves over the next few months, but the first wave of higher-end, quad-core processors is finally here.
So far, the biggest impact has been on gaming without a dedicated graphics GPU, with other differences remaining subtle at best.
Of course, this may not reflect future laptops and desktops in the coming months, but it clearly tells the story of Ivy Bridge at launch: this is evolutionary, rather than revolutionary.
Check out our review roundup below. For more questions on Ivy Bridge, read our FAQ.
Asus N56V
Intel sent us this Asus system as an example of a quad-core Ivy Bridge CPU in action. We tested the CPU more than the laptop as a whole, but the clean-lined, somewhat generic design of this unit matches other larger, gaming-oriented laptops we've seen from Asus in the past. The real difference here lies in both the Nvidia and integrated graphics speed. Read our hands-on impressions and testing results.
Origin EON17-S
The Origin EON17-S is one of the first laptops to offer Intel's third-gen Core i7 CPUs. It's a powerful, highly customizable gaming laptop that can get expensive, but can also include overclocked components. You'd never know it from the outside, though; even with a new back panel, it's still very generic-looking. Read the full review of the Origin EON17-S.
Asus Essentio CM6870
Intel's new CPUs are the most compelling feature in this new Asus desktop. Otherwise, it's just another midtower. Read the full review of the Asus Essentio CM6870.
Origin Genesis
Despite only a modest chip update from Intel, this fast gaming desktop makes the best of a challenging marketing task. Any gamer would be glad to own the Origin Genesis, but it may make sense to wait. Read the full review of the Origin Genesis.
Expect a wide variety of Ivy Bridge PCs on the immediate horizon, including the products below.
Alienware's M14x, M17x, M18x laptops get Nvidia graphics updates, no Ivy Bridge yet