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PC Makers Start Selling Dual-Core Systems

Intel’s first dual-core processor-based platform includes the Intel Pentium Processor Extreme Edition 840 running at 3.2 GHz and the Intel 955X Express Chipset.

Dual- and multi-core processors are designed by including two or more full execution cores within a single processor enabling simultaneous management of activities. When combined with Intel’s Hyper-Threading Technology, which allows each execution core to present itself as two logical processors, the Intel Pentium Processor Extreme Edition 840 can process four software threads simultaneously by more efficiently using resources that otherwise may sit idle.

Intel has more than 15 multi-core projects under development across the desktop, mobile and server computing market segments. The company will also introduce its mainstream, high volume dual-core Intel Pentium D processor-based platform this quarter, with systems to become available from leading computer makers.

The Intel Pentium Processor Extreme Edition 840 is priced at $999 and the Intel 955X Express Chipset is priced at $50 in 1,000-unit quantities.

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