There was a time when Intel's quad-core Q6600 processor was one of the best CPUs for desktop mainstream performance. Naturally, this also meant that it came with a rather premium price tag, set at approximately US$355. This happened, as a slight reminder, almost one year ago. However, the Q6600 has proved to be a real "bang for a buck," providing users with performance and overclocking capabilities that came close to Intel's Extreme series. Unfortunately, the days of the Q6600 could come to an end, as the Santa Clara-based chip maker is getting ready to release new 45nm quad-cores.

As of late, following a number of price cuts, the Q6600 has reached a more affordable price tag of approximately $193. Considering the CPU's performance and overall specifications, the Q6600 can actually be seen as relatively cheap - even more so when compared with other processors on the market. The good news is that word in the industry has it that the Q6600 will continue to remain one of Intel's best CPU offers, even after the release of the 45nm Q8200.

Apparently, we should expect the Q8200 to launch sometime next week, according to several recent rumors that are making the rounds. Unfortunately, as with all other reports on unconfirmed products, technical specifications are rather scarce here too.

Still, we should be looking at a decent mainstream-performance product that will provide its users with a higher FSB, but lower clock, compared with the Q6600. The Q8200 should pack a core speed of 2.33GHz at a FSB level of 1333MHz, whereas the Q6600 came with 2.4GHz and 1024 FSB. Also, unlike the Q6600, the Q8200 will lack both Intel's Virtualization Technology and Trusted Execution Technology.

According to the same sources, the 45nm quad-core should be hitting stores later this month, on August 31, to be more specific. This means that the CPU could soon be officially launched, although this is yet to be confirmed. Either way, it will have to compete with AMD's Phenoms X4 processors, which are priced under $200.