Intel Sandy Bridge Processors

The processor shares the L3 cache with the GPU and both can be clocked to suit your needs accordingly. It supports HDMI 1.4a for stereoscopic 3D Blu-ray playback at a whooping 1080p and true HD audio output (Dolby TrueHD). This means some level of high performance gaming can be achieved without the need for an external graphics card. The HD Graphics 3000 GPU runs at 1350 MHz which can be considered quite a step in high performance graphics computing compared to dedicated graphics card GPUs.

The Turbo Boost 2.0 is an awesome feature which balances the power consumption and distribution and the performance of the processor. If needed, the CPU can take some power from the graphics area when that particular segment is not used and even burst in high performance peaks, even if the heat dissipation solution is not able to fully handle it. The mobile version of this processor is able to draw power from both the battery and the charger if the task requires high processing capabilities.

The new i5 line of processors can be over clocked by up to 4 steps (400 MHz), but the K-model CPUs are unlocked so you can take it up the clock scale as much as you like. Just make sure to provide efficient cooling solutions.
Overclocking is possible to about 4.4GHz in all cores and no special cooling solutions would be needed. You can overclock the Core i5-2500K processor to 4.4GHz and use a standard air cooler without running into any problems.

The Core i5-2500K is more consistent compared to previous models. You can rest assured knowing you get a full quad-core with a built-in GPU. Unlike the Core i7 processors, you don't get the Hyper-Threading feature, but with a quad core processor with integrated graphics and extra benefits such as the HDMI 1.4a it's still a very good deal.

Unified Micro Architecture

The processors of the Sandy Bridge line unify everything, including the processor cores, memory controller, the last level cache (LLC) and graphics and media processing on a single chip. Designing the chip in such a way guarantees a new level of higher performance and increased efficiency.
The graphics processing is accessed faster since the GPU and CPU are on the same chip and they receive shared access in the last level cache. Think of it this way, the fewer busses over which data travels means even faster processing. System performance is greatly increased due to the enlarged memory bandwidth.

Graphics and Media Performance Ultra-boost

The built-in visuals in the Sandy Bridge line of processors comes optimized for next -gen media workloads. These new technologies include a more powerful graphics engine which speeds up 3D and video processing. Hardware media accelerators and graphics execution units provide unparalleled performance for HD video, 3D graphics and gaming. These new technologies provide a giant leap for end-users to enjoy a new level in HD content and true real-time web experiences.

A New Level of Control - Performance and Power

Intel Turbo Boost 2.0 controls the performance and power for both the central processing units and the graphics processing unit, giving a major boost in the performance exactly where it's needed and saving energy when it's not.

Sandy Bridge Processors performance

The new Sandy Bridge CPUs are up to 17% faster than the previous Nehalem processors and its integrated graphics provide about twice the performance of the previous model.

Over clocking is possible, but very limited for now, up to 5-7% performance gain without other component failure. Intel has made it clear that it will release a K-edition for the processors, allowing them to be over clocked at even higher speeds.
They demonstrated a Sandy Bridge Processor running at 4.9 GHz on simple air cooling. Up till then, processors over clocked at 4.5GHz required some form of liquid cooling to run without problems.

The LGA 1155 socket

The Sandy Bridge line of processors uses the LGA 1155 socket which features some improved performance in computing applications, such as Hyper-threading and the Turbo Boost technology.

The standard Sandy Bridge processor types run at speeds ranging from 1.4 - 3.4GHz and the integrated GPU runs between 350 and 800 MHz for different versions. By using the improved Turbo Boost technology speeds up to 3.8GHz in CPUs and 1350MHz in the GPU can be reached. The TDP (thermal design power) ranges from 35 to 90W for desktop versions, while the mobile solutions range from 17 to 55W.

The upgraded memory controller can support DDR3 - 1600 dual channel RAM with a bandwidth of up to 21.3 GB/s.

The LGA 2011 socket

Intel has confirmed that processors with this socket are currently in existence, but no specifications for these types have been released yet.