Intel
today announced a new lineup of 1333 MHz front-side bus dual and quad-core
processors. The new Intel 1333 MHz front-side bus lineup consists of three
dual-core and one quad-core processors. The highlight is the top-end $999 Core 2
Extreme QX6850, a 3.0GHz chip with a new 1,333MHz front side bus.
The dual-core lineup also get the
newer, faster bus, and features the 3.0GHz Core 2 Duo E6850 ($266), the 2.66GHz
E6750 ($183), and the 2.33GHz E6550 ($163). Rounding out the announcement, a new
1,066MHz front side bus Core 2 Quad chip makes its debut as well. The Q6700 will
sell with a clock speed of 2.66GHz for $530.
Despite the new product introductions, there are no price cuts on existing
products today. Nevertheless, Intel plans to cut prices on most dual and
quad-core products next week. When the new price cuts go into effect, the
entry-level Core 2 Quad Q6600 drops down to $266, matching the Core 2 Duo E6850
in price.
The QX6850 isn't the only bit of extremeness Intel is unleashing today, by
the way. The company's also
announcing a new mobile version of the Core 2 Extreme. The Core 2 Extreme
Mobile X7800 runs at 2.6GHz on an 800MHz bus, has an unlocked upper multiplier
for mobile overclocking action, and costs a healthy $85.
At $266 the Q6600 is looking mighty damn fine indeed. Then again a dual-core at 3GHz for same price ain't too bad neither. Decisions, decisions...:-) 
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