Intel Launches Core 2 Extreme QX6800

Intel has announced the quad-core Core 2 Extreme QX6800, a CPU which clocks in at 2.93 GHz, matching last summer’s dual-core flagship X6800. The chip features 8MB of L2 cache and an unlocked upper multiplier for overclocking goodness. As with the previous Core 2 Extreme QX6700 and Core 2 Quad Q6600, the new QX6800 shares the 65nm Kentsfieldcore. Unsurprisingly, the world’s largest CPU manufacturer prices the new top of the line quad-core processor fairly high: at $1199, however, aggressive Q3’07 price cuts will drop the cost down to $999. The new Core 2 Extreme QX6800 is Intel’s fourth consumer quad-core processor, whereas AMD isn’t set to introduce its upcoming Barcelona quad-core architecture until later this year. Intel expects to introduce 45nm Penryn-based processors in the second half of 2007.

source: DailyTech