Intel’s next-generation Ivy Bridge processors for desktops are now available to order online in the US at Amazon, Newegg, and NCIX. Also, if you live near a Microcenter, the brick-and-mortar stores are offering great deals on the CPUs. For example, the 3.5GHz Core i7 3770K is going for $289.99 — $70 below the MSRP of $359.99.

The Ivy Bridge chips feature a new Tri-Gate 3D design that adds vertical silicon fins in order to increase performance and reduce energy leakage; allowing the maximum amount of current to flow through a transistor when its gate is "on," and as little as possible when it's "off." If you’ve been waiting to take advantage of the processing power and efficiency bump from Intel’s new 22-nanometer CPUs in your existing rig, or if you’ve been holding off on building something until the new chips hit the market, this is the day you've been waiting for.