Intel is set to launch the “Conroe” chip for desktop computers, alongside a significant price reduction of its products and the testing of new PC designs.
Along with the release of “Conroe,” Dell will introduce new desktop and workstation lines featuring the Conroe Core 2 Duo chip, while Gateway will utilize this chip version in 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 some models of its Athlon 64 X2 desktop chips. AMD has also reduced prices on its Turion 64 laptop chips to enhance competitiveness against Intel’s Core 2 Duo “Merom,” which is expected to debut this week.
Intel is currently “struggling” with workforce reductions and declining profits. As the world’s largest chip manufacturer, the company is compelled to assure investors of a solution to its predicament, which involves launching a new line of dual-core chips.
Intel will replace the previous Pentium brand with new products that offer better energy management and more efficient performance thanks to a “dual-core” design.
The first member of this chip line will be the Woodcrest Xeon 5100 (for servers), which was released in June 2006. Intel is now planning to launch desktop and laptop versions of this chip line.
The introduction of Conroe will mark a significant new chapter in the competition between Intel and AMD. Intel is expected to phase out the Pentium product line and sell it at “extremely” competitive prices to capture new market shares.
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 battle between the two companies.
