February 07, 2005
Intel to Launch Dual Core Processors
Intel announced it will launch two versions of their new dual core processors sometime in the second quarter. The company has already completed initial production runs and has more than 10 dual-core projects already underway. Gamers are salivating at a nice performance step function increase if Intel can ramp these chips up over 3-4 ghz in speed. The last few years have seen minor performance increases with Intel losing to the 64-bit AMD line for multi-media performance.Dual- and multi-core products are designed by including two or more full CPU cores within a single processor enabling the simultaneous managing of activities. When combined with HT Technology, which allows a processor to present itself as two logical processors, the Pentium Processor Extreme Edition product can process four software threads simultaneously by more efficiently using resources that otherwise may sit idle.
Platforms based around Intel’s dual-core Pentium Processor Extreme Edition are an ideal solution for PC computing and entertainment enthusiasts who crave computing power for audio, video, digital design and gaming tasks. The Pentium Processor Extreme Edition will be combined with a new chipset named the Intel® 955X Express chipset, formerly codenamed “Glenwood,” that includes features such as Intel® High Definition Audio, PCI-Express and faster dual-channel DDR-2 memory. Intel will also couple its mainstream “Smithfield” processor with two new chipsets named the Intel® 945G Express chipset and Intel® 945P Express chipset, both previously code-named “Lakeport” in the second quarter of the year.
A dual-core Intel processor and HD-Audio should hit OEMs like Dell in just a few months. The downside is it looks like you have to buy new motherboard and chip-sets to take advantage of the new technology.
