Once these three CPUs are launched, the prices on the already existing Core 2 Duo processors will evidently drop. As a result, Intel's Core 2 Duo price list will then look as follows:

In about a month Intel is going to launch three new low-cost processors in the Core 2 Duo family and reduce the prices of the already existing dual-core CPUs. These upcoming events appeared the primary topic of our today's discussion that will not only focus on the detailed performance testing of the newcomers but will also offer extensive comparison of 18 low-cost dual-core processors. We all know very well what Intel is going to do next to cause new changes in the processor market. Firstly, they will reduce the prices on the existing dual-core processors in April and even offer a few new Core 2 Duo models with enhanced features and improved specifications. Secondly, in early Q3 we expect them to launch Core 2 Duo E6x50 with 1333MHz bus, which are also supposed to be priced very attractively.

After the upcoming price drop and the launch of the new processor models, Core 2 Duo processors will finally be able to fit into relatively inexpensive computer systems. Since Core based processors used to sell for at least $200, they couldn't enjoy vast popularity among budget and low-end mainstream users. However, this situation will very soon change. Especially, since their performance level will allow them to compete successfully against other inexpensive dual-core processors, such as AMD Athlon 64 X2 and Intel Pentium D.

There is the whole bunch of popular applications, such as office tasks, games, image editing and media content processing, where Core 2 Duo processors perform faster than Athlon 64 X2 from the same price range. In this case, AMD will either have to put up with the loss of the mainstream price segment, or correct the price list accordingly. However, relatively high production cost of the 90nm dual-core processors on K8 micro-architecture as well as too slow adoption of the 65nm manufacturing process may hinder this correction. The obtained results suggest that AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ should cost no more than $180, and Athlon 64 X2 4800+ and 4600+ - no more than $140, if they want to successfully compete with the new Intel CPUs. However, we doubt that a price cut like that will ever be possible.