Intel price cuts in Q3, new models

[Andreas G]

Intel is planning to revise its Core 2 lineup this fall with the introduction and removal of several dual and quad-core models, HKEPC reports. Most noticeable is the introduction of the new top models of the Quad series, Q9650 3.0GHz, and the Duo series, E8600 3.33GHz. In turn, Intel will phase out the Q9300 and Q9450 models and replace them with Q9400, which has a core clock of 2.66GHz, but only 6MB L2 cache. The older 65nm Q6700 will be phased out and the Q6600 will see a slight price reduction. As Intel Core 2 Duo E8600 enters, E8300 will leave the market, which means that the lowest clocked member of the E8000 series will run at 3.0GHz. Intel will also bring a new E7000 series model to the market with the Core 2 Duo E7300.

The table below summarizes the changes expected in Q3;

Product	Speed	FSB	Cache	Q2*	Q3*
Q9650	3.00GHz	1333MHz	12MB	-	530
Q9550	2.83GHz	1333MHz	12MB	530	316
Q9450	2.66GHz	1333MHz	12MB	316	-
Q9400	2.66GHz	1333MHz	6MB	-	266
Q9300	2.50GHz	1333MHz	6MB	266	-
Q6700	2.66GHz	1066MHz	8MB	266	-
Q6600	2.40GHz	1066MHz	8MB	224	203
E8600	3.33GHz	1333MHz	6MB	-	266
E8500	3.16GHz	1333MHz	6MB	266	183
E8400	3.00GHz	1333MHz	6MB	183	163
E8300	2.83GHz	1333MHz	6MB	163	-
E7300	2.66GHz	1066MHz	3MB	-	133
E7200	2.53GHz	1066MHz	3MB	133	113
* Prices in USD