The much-hyped quad-core processors are usually associated with high-end computing and budget-busting price tags. However, the quad-core behemoths have started to show up in consumer desktop systems manufactured by system integrators such as Hewlett-Packard, Gateway or eMachines.

Such consumer-level systems are powered by both Intel's and AMD's flagship processors. While Intel's offerings are more powerful and deliver increased performance, AMD's counterparts have lower power requirements and allow data centers to cut down on the ownership costs.

AMD's new quad-core 9100e Phenom processor is currently available in Pavilion Slimline s3430f desktop systems manufactured by HP. The chip features a thermal envelope of 65 watts, much below the average 95-watt TDP.

HP's s3430f computer comes with 4GB of PC2-6400 DDR2 SDRAM, Nvidia GeForce 8500 GT graphics and a 500GB Serial-ATA hard disk drive spinning at 7,200 rotations per minute. The complete system (monitor not included) sells for $999 through HP's retail channels.

Intel's recently released Q9550, Q9450, and Q9300 quad-core power horses have also started to make their way on the consumer market. The chips have been announced in early January, but they started retailing in March. It seems like they have been delayed because they had compatibility issues with the existing motherboards, although Intel's CEO Paul Otellini said that the server and the mobile markets had to make the switch first.

Intel's quad-core parts can now be found in select consumer systems from HP and Gateway, and come with 12 MB of cache, as well as 1333 MHz front side bus. HP is currently retailing the Pavilion Ultimate d4999t series, powered by a Q9550 processor. The system also packs 3GB of DDR2-800MHz memory, a 256 MB Nvidia GeForce 8400 graphics card, as well as a 500GB 7200 SATA hard disk drive. The d4999t can be purchased for $1,259 through HP's retail outlets.