Three new Intel processors

Despite the introduction of the new series Core i7 high-end processors in early November, Intel has now added three new CPU models based on the previous Core 2 architecture: the quad-core Q9300 and two budget dual-cores, the E5300 and E1500.

The fastest of the new chips is a Core 2 Quad, the $224 Q8300. The Q8300 is a 45 nm chip with a 1.333GHz Front Side Bus (FSB1333) and a TDP of 95 Watts. It slots in between the Core 2 Quad Q9300 ($266) and Q8200 ($193) in a price gap caused by Intel's end-October price reductions. Like the Q9300, the quad-core processor has a clock speed of 2.5 GHz, but like the Q8200 it only offers 4 MB of Level 2 cache.

Further down the range come two inexpensive dual-core models. In the middle of the trio is the E5300, a 45 nm, 2.6GHz part with 2 MB of Level 2 cache shared by both cores. The processor runs on FSB800, has a TDP of 65 Watts and costs $86. The E5300 is now the fastest-clocked member of Intel's budget "Pentium Dual Core" brand.

Finally, there is the 2.2 GHz E1500 with just 512 KB of shared L2 cache. Another FSB800 part, it costs $53 and will be sold under the name Celeron Dual Core. However, this CPU is still manufactured in 65 nanometre technology and has a Thermal Design Power (TDP) of 65 Watts.

All prices given are for the purchase of batches of 1000 units. Intel has made no price changes to the rest of its processors.

(lghp)