Having slashed prices across its range of existing Core 2 Quad processors, Intel has introduced three new lower-power models aimed at the desktop.
The 45nm LGA775 chips - Intel's Core 2 Quad Q9550s, Q9400s and Q8200s - are the manufacturer's first quad-core desktop parts to feature a TDP of just 65W. Offering speeds of up to 2.83GHz, the chips are most probably binned at a higher speed and can consequently operate under a tighter thermal envelope.
Intel's complete line-up of 65W Core 2 Quad processors breaks down as follows:
| Processor | Core 2 Quad Q9550s |
Core 2 Quad Q9400s |
Core 2 Quad Q8200s |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPU speed | 2.83GHz |
2.66GHz |
2.33GHz |
| FSB | 1,333MHz |
1,333MHz |
1,333MHz |
| L2 cache | 12MB |
6MB |
4MB |
| Manufacturing process | 45nm |
45nm |
45nm |
| TDP | 65W |
65W |
65W |
| Price (in 1,000 unit quantities) | $369 |
$320 |
$245 |
Eagle-eyed readers will note that wholesale prices reflect a substantial premium for 65W parts. Intel's existing 95W alternatives, the Q9550, Q9400 and Q8200 are available for $266, $213 and $163, respectively, that's a saving of $103, $107 and $82 for equally-clocked chips.
Nonetheless, it opens the door for quad-core Intel chips in power-restricted mini ITX systems.
