The chaps over at
TechConnect Magazine have gotten their hands on some model numbers, clock
speeds, launch time frames, and most importantly pricing information for Intel's
upcoming lineup of 45nm desktop processors. If the site has its facts straight,
Intel will begin its 45nm desktop offensive in November with a $999 Core 2
Extreme QX9650 processor. That chip will run at 3GHz, pack a total 12MB of L2
cache-6MB per dual-core die-and have a 130W power envelope.
Intel will reportedly follow with a set of seven additional 45nm desktop
chips in January 2008. Three of those chips will be quad-core models, and the
other four will be dual-core. In the quad-core camp, the upcoming Core 2 Quad
Q9300 will run at 2.5GHz and carry a $266 price tag, while the Core 2 Quad Q9450
will run at 2.66GHz and cost $316, and the Q9550 model will run at 2.83GHz and
cost $530. All three models will have the same 95W power rating, but the Q9550
and Q9450 will have 12MB of cache, whereas the Q9300 will have only 6MB.
The dual-core processors will start off from where the Q9300 ends and will
have the 3.16GHz E8500 costing $266. The 45nm line-up ends with the E8200 that
costs just $163
)