Intel Keeps Pumping Out New CPUs--Quad Cores are Out Already

Just after Apple finished releasing its notebooks (MacBook Pro and MacBook) with Intel Core 2 Duo CPUs, Intel introduced the Quad-Core Intel Xeon 5300 and Intel Core 2 Extreme quad-core processor families. The quad-core CPUs deliver immense speed and responsiveness for general purpose servers and workstations and for digital media creation, high-end gaming and other market segments that crave absolute performance.

"Today's announcement ushers in another new era in computing," said Paul Otellini, Intel's president and CEO. "The capabilities of quad-core microprocessors will bring new possibilities for science, entertainment and business. I'm incredibly proud of what Intel's employees have achieved with these new products."

Quad-core Intel Xeon Processor 5300 series CPUs deliver up to 50 percent faster performance within the same thermal envelope and at the same cost as the previous generation Dual-Core Intel Xeon processor 5100 series launched less than 5 months ago.

Four Intel Xeon processors were launched at clock speeds ranging from 1.60GHz to 2.66GHz, with front side bus (FSB) speeds ranging from 1066MHz to 1333MHz, a thermal design power (TDP) of either 80 watts or a performance-optimized 120 watt option and costing $455 to $1172. In the first quarter next year, Intel will launch two more quad-core Xeon processors – a low-voltage version for ultra-dense deployments with a TDP of only 50 watts and a processor designed for single-socket workstations and servers.

Intel touts the Core 2 Extreme quad-core processor QX6700 as the world's best desktop processor for multimedia applications since it is up to 80 percent faster than the company's current Intel Core 2 Extreme Processor X6800. This is the world’s first quad-core desktop processor available for unmatched, highly threaded performance. Ideal for today's games with incredible performance for tomorrow's highly threaded games; the Intel Core 2 Extreme quad-core processor QX6700 is available at 2.66GHz with a 1066MHz FSB and costs $999. The processor runs on Intel’s existing 975X Express chipset family.

Intel plans to offer a mainstream quad-core processor starting in the first quarter next year under the Intel Core 2 Quad processor brand name. The processor will be an ideal choice for processor-intensive, highly threaded programs such as entertainment, gaming and multimedia activities.

Simultaneously, Alienware and Dell announced Wintels with the new Core 2 Extreme quad-core CPU. The Dell starts at $3700. Will we see a Mac Pro with the new quad-core CPU soon? The days of Macs with long speed plateaus appear to be gone. Intel's speed in creating speed is also creating expectations that we hope Apple will meet. Don't you just love it? [Bill Fox]