Core 2 Quad Q6400 is looking to become the third quad-core processor in Intel’s desktop assortment and according to HKEPC it will also be the start of a broader availability of quad-core processors. Core 2 Extreme QX6700 is the only quad-core processor from Intel today and it is hardly an option for regular users or those without an unlimited budget. At the start of next year Intel will launch C2Q Q6600 and even if the launch price will be pretty high Intel is planning a drastic price cut of this processor. The price will still be at about 500 USD and be out of reach for many. HKEPC has now received information about the new model, C2Q Q6400, which is due to arrive during the third quarter of 2007.
The price of this processor is expected to drop to about 450 USD which means that quad-core processors will start to become more affordable. You get a quad-core processor, clocked at 2.13GHz with a 1066MHz processor bus. The same as the older siblings as Q6400 also comes with 8MB L2 cache (2x4MB).
Intel will at the same time launch its first ”genuine” quad-core architecture during the second quarter of 2007. Kentsfield will thus still be around when Yorkfield becomes the new high-end architecture with integrated cores with 2x6MB L2 cache and a 1333MHz processor bus. Yorkfield is also expected to be made with Intel’s 45nm process, which makes this new architecture extra interesting. Intel is going out strong with its quad-core architectures and sometime next year we should be able to expect quad-cores coming in strong and from every direction.
