14 DAY TRIAL // Santa Clara, California-based Intel is expected to update its processor lineup with the introduction of a new Nehalem-based 6-core processor that is scheduled for release in the same time frame as the chip maker's highly anticipated Lynnfield and P55 desktop platform. There aren't many details about the upcoming CPU but, according to sources close to the world's leading chip maker, the new processor will be compatible with the current LGA 1366 socket, available on X58-based motherboards. This leaves some comfort for all those computer enthusiasts who have rushed to upgrade to Intel's latest high-end desktop platform, the Core i7-supporting X58.
According to a recent news-article on bit-tech, citing sources near Chipzilla, the upcoming processors will be sold alongside the company's current high-end Core i7 975, with all the other Core i7 models expected to be phased out later this year. The specific details regarding the first consumer 6-core processor aren't available at this time, but we do know it will be based on the same Nehalem architecture as current Core i7 processors and that it will be compatible with X58 platforms, through a simple BIOS update.
Apparently, most motherboard makers are already supporting the upcoming processor, leaving no worries for computer enthusiasts who run on an updated BIOS. In addition, it looks like there's still some uncertainty regarding the branding of the new CPUs, as it isn't clear whether Intel will continue to use the Core i7 moniker.
In related news, it appears that Intel has continued to use the “Core i5”branding for the upcoming Lynnfield processors, despite its earlier statements claiming the Core i5 branding didn't exist. Unfortunately, these details are yet to be confirmed by the company, but all should be cleared up by the time Intel decides to finally release its much anticipated next-generation mainstream processors, codenamed Lynnfield.