Intel is set to release the “Conroe” chip version for desktop computers, alongside a significant price reduction on various products and trials of new PC designs.
In conjunction with the launch of “Conroe,” Dell will introduce new desktop and workstation lines featuring the Conroe Core 2 Duo chip; Gateway will use this chip version for its high-end FX510 series, specifically designed for gamers.
Joining the price-cutting battle with Intel, rival AMD has slashed prices by up to 57% on certain desktop Athlon 64 X2 chip models. AMD has also reduced prices on its Turion 64 laptop chip line, enhancing its competitiveness against Intel’s Core 2 Duo “Merom,” which is expected to launch this week.
Intel is currently “struggling” with workforce reductions and declining profits. As a result, this world’s largest chip manufacturer is compelled to assure investors of a way out, which involves launching a new line of dual-core chips.
Intel will replace the previous Pentium branding with new products that offer better energy management and improved performance due to the “dual-core” design.
The first member of this chip line will be the Woodcrest Xeon 5100 (designed for servers), which was released in June 2006. Intel is now planning to launch desktop and laptop versions of this chip line.
The release of Conroe will mark a new phase in the competition between Intel and AMD. Intel is expected to phase out Pentium products and sell them at “extremely” competitive prices to capture emerging markets.
According to Nathan Brookwood, an analyst at Insight64, Conroe will enhance Intel’s competitiveness in the desktop chip market and significantly impact AMD’s product sales, but it may not be strong enough to force AMD to concede in the ongoing rivalry between the two companies.
