While I’m on the topic of processors, I wanted to mention that Intel had announced their first Intel Core 2 Extreme mobile dual core processors ever earlier on Monday. The new Intel Core 2 Extreme X7800 mobile dual core processors are clocked at 2.6GHz and offer up to 28 percent more performance than the previous generation mobile processor. Intel also introduced a new set of desktop processors including the flagship Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6850 quad core processor clocked in at 3GHz. In an interesting move, Intel also announced that the high end Intel Core 2 Extreme mobile processor bus ratio locks are being removed (for the overclocker enthusiasts out there).

Here’s the price breakdown for OEMs:

• Intel Core 2 Extreme X7800 mobile processor at 2.6GHz is available at $851
• Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6850 quad core processor at 3GHz, 1333 MHz FSB, and 8MB L2 cache is going for $999 in units of 1000
• Intel Core 2 Quad QX6700 quad core processor at 2.66GHz, 1066 MHz FSB, and 8MB L2 cache is going for $530 in units of 1000
• Intel Core 2 Duo E6850 dual core processor at 3GHz, 1333 MHz FSB, and 4MB L2 cache is going for $266 in units of 1000
• Intel Core 2 Duo E6750 dual core processor at 2.66GHz, 1333 MHz FSB, and 4MB L2 cache is going for $183 in units of 1000
• Intel Core 2 Duo E6550 dual core processor at 2.33GHz, 1333 MHz FSB, and 4MB L2 cache is going for $163 in units of 1000

The introduction of these new processors clearly makes current generation dual core and quad core processors even cheaper.. so yes, it is a good time to buy processors and computers.

Finally, you can read ExtremeTech’s look into the new Intel Core 2 Extreme Quad QX6850 processor. Their verdict is:

Bumping up quad-core to the new 1333MHz FSB seems to boost performance, even with DDR2 memory; the price, though high, now seems rational.

[Check it out]

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