Core 2 Quad 1333MHz

Intel today rolled out its first desktop CPUs for home users that take advantage of the faster 3-series chipset. Headlining its updates is the Core 2 Extreme QX6850, the chipmaker says. At 3GHz, the four-core processor is tied for the highest clock speed with Intel's specialized Xeon X5365 yet brings the speed and the 1,333MHz of bandwidth to a price friendly to avid gamers. Three Core 2 Duo models also see the faster bus and use it to ramp up speeds for mid- to high-range processors at 2.33GHz (E6550), 2.66GHz (E6750), and 3GHz (E6850).

All of the new CPUs have 4MB of shared level 2 cache shared between core pairs and should be shipping to system builders and part retailers at prices of $999 for the lone quad-core update and prices of $163, $183, and $266 for the dual-core chips depending on speed. Other Core 2 models running earlier 1,066MHz and 800MHz system buses will also see price cuts that vary depending on performance.

By Electronista Staff