Intel launched three new quad-core processors: two Xeons for lower-end servers and one mainstream model for desktop computers.

The desktop chip is called the Core 2 Quad 6600 and will join the Core 2 Extreme QX6700 model Intel already ships. The new processor will run at 2.4GHz, and the front-side bus that links the chip to the rest of the system will run at 1066 MHz.

The two server chips are Xeon 3210 at 2.13Ghz and Xeon 3220 at 2.4Ghz with 8Mb cache and 1066 Mhz front-side bus, and both are designed for single processor servers.

Intel's quad-core processors combine two dual-core chips into a single package. Rival chip maker AMD insists that Intel has glued two dual-core chips together, and that AMD’s "Barcelona" quad-core processor will perform much better when will be launched later this year.

Intel is positioning the other new chips - the Quad-Core Xeon 3200 series - based on their power efficiency for entry-level server applications such as e-mail, the Web and file-and-print.

Apple currently uses Intel Core Duo, Core 2 Duo and dual-core Xeon processors in its Macintosh computers and Xserve server. Apple has not yet introduced any models that use the Core 2 Quad or the new Xeon processor models.

Servers can take advantage of multiple processing cores but with desktop machines the benefits aren't as clear because software often isn't able to use all the cores effectively.

Intel is selling Quad-Core Xeon X3210 at 2.13 GHz for US$690 and the 2.4 GHz Quad-Core Xeon X3220 for US$851, both priced per unit in lots of 1,000. The new 2.4GHz Core 2 Quad Q6600 is also selling for $851.

written by Cristian L.