This launch-day coverage isn't going to be easy for us due to the fact that it entails a number of firsts, some of which are positive, others certainly aren't. Parts of this introduction are also going to be a bit more personal than is typical for me but there's good reason for that too: Intel's launch of the Core-X series is unique in terms of scope, market conditions and their approach to press engagement.

These also happen to be some of the most controversial processors launched in recent memory and many of you are likely here to see whether or not we?re going to give Intel's latest endeavor a failing grade since anything else would be unacceptable. Don't deny it. If you?re here for fireworks, and I promise you there will certainly be some.

Before I get too far into this let's get let the cat out of the bag: this is the first time in more than a decade we almost missed a launch-day review of a major new processor evolution. To say I?m disappointed would be an understatement of epic proportions but I won't dwell upon it other than to simply explain the situation. However, we do have content here and now due to a benefactor who will remain anonymous. It just won't be of the processor that Intel was hoping they would get coverage for. Instead of focusing primarily on the top-of-the-line i9-7900X, my focus here is solely upon the oddball 7740X, the Kaby Lake-X black sheep runt of this litter.