Intel has launched its first consumer oriented dual core processor this week. Previously the only dual core processor available from Intel was the Pentium Extreme Edition, which was squarely aimed at the enthusiast end of the market.
Supported by the Intel 945 Express Chipset, which comes with Intel High Definition Audio and PCI Express support, as well as DDR2 and Serial ATA 2 compatibility, the new Intel processors are the next generation of computer processors. Stumped by the problem of getting more power out of existing technologies without generating boatloads of heat, both of the major processor manufacturers have decided that dual core is the future.
The three processors that are now available are the Intel Pentium D 840, 830 and 820. These are priced at $530, $316 and $241 respectively, when bought in 1,000 unit quantities. The new chipsets, the 945G and 945P, are priced at $42 and $38 respectively, again when bought in 1,000 unit quantities.
AMD are expected to launch their dual core 64 bit X2 processors shortly, which many claim are faster than the equivalent Intel offering. Either way, both of these manufacturers chips should offer consumers more power than they are likely to have at the moment, and should keep them happy for at least the next couple of years.