The fierce fight for the first to launch a certain product could not overlook the processors. Because AMD caused a lot of commotion about the imminent release of the dual-core processors for servers, Intel is doing its best to outrun AMD by launching next month the dual-core processors for desktops.

In an official statement made at IDF, Abhi Talwalkar, co-general manager of the "crisis cell" within the group, has announced that the dual-core "Extreme Edition" chips are ready to be distributed to several system producers and that they will be accompanied by compatible chipsets, so that the appearance of complete and functional systems is only a matter of time.

Another source within the company has declared that the dual-core processors will be available starting with this month. Dell representatives have announced that Round Rock, a system integrator from Texas, will begin launching desktop high-end systems based on the dual-core processors in a few weeks.

This announcement comes only a few hours after AMD's statement related to the distribution of dual-core systems and workstations fitted with the same processor. According to Advanced Micro Devices, these systems will be available in a few weeks.

The main reason determining Intel to speed things up is the image of the company. Intel doesn't afford the luxury of launching a chip after the appearance of similar solutions from AMD.