Rumor: New Core i7, Celeron Soon

Intel plans to launch the Celeron E3000 series and a new Core i7 processor during the second half of 2009.

DigiTimes is reporting from un-named motherboard sources that Intel is invading the entry-level CPU market with two new processors from the 45nm Celeron E3000 series. Set for a third quarter release, The Celeron E3200 will feature a core clock of 2.5 GHz, 1 MB L2 cache, an 800 MHz FSB, and a 65 W TDB. The Celeron E3300 will offer the same base features, but will provide a slightly higher core speed of 2.5 GHz and support for VT-x virtualization (Virtual XP on Windows 7).

Additionally, Intel's Core i7 960 processor is set for a release in the fourth quarter, offering a core clock frequency of 3.2 GHz, 4.8 GT/s bus speed, 8 MB of L3 cache, and a 130 W TDP. The CPU will replace the reigning champ, Intel's i7 950 clocking in at 3.06 GHz, and even looks to go neck-and-neck with the i7 965 Extreme Edition, also with a core clock of 3.2 GHz (but offers QPI bandwidth).

In the mobile department, the dual-core Atom D510 CPU for netbooks also shares the same timeslot, followed by the single-core Atom D410 processor in Q1 2010; both are replacing the Atom 230 and 330 processors. This is also the same launch window Intel plans to release Pine Trail, the new platform that will offer only two components: the CPU/GPU/Memory controller Pineview package, and the Tiger Point I/O controller. Pine Trail is expected to reduce material costs for OEMs.

Intel said that it does not comment on "unannounced products" thus, we're reduced to classifying this bit of information as rumor only.

Source : Tom's Hardware US