Intel launched the Core 2 Duo E8000 series on January 20 and the intention was to replace the current E6000 series with new 45nm processors. The problem is that there are still quite a lot of E6000 processors available, and to give partners a chance to empty their stock, Intel held back on the E8000 shippings. This has resulted in a fairly poor supply of the new 45nm processors, which has in turn pushed up the prices. Some distributors have bumped the prices by up to 20% for the E8000 series. All in all, it seems to have little effect, as the sales of E6000 series haven’t improved to any noticeable degree.
