They could just put some of their 32nm chips into a core i9 series....

Core i7 = marketing by popularity association. Core is reminiscent of Core 2 Duo. The i because of iPod and iPhone. 7 because of Windows 7. Surely everybody remembers the Athon XP at about the time of Windows XP?

Then they sort of just use smaller numbers for the less powerful ones. If you were to use odd numbers, people may assume that's the core count, since Intel only sells even numbered multi-core processors.

The numbering system they chose isn't really that smart is it? Like you said, the 9xx numbers are already almost used up, and after the i7 they'll have to use a different number system!!! - or they'll start calling it an 8xx.

What they should have done is called the low end 1xx, mid end 4xx, and upper end 7xx. Then for the next iteration of chips the 2xx, 5xx, and 8xx etc.

Having the chips get to a high number like i965 to start with may also confuse some, and some people may think yuck, they're still selling p965 chipset motherboards?

...they're not using a random-number generator to come up with the models...

Oh dear, I just gave them an idea, didn't I?

Enthusiasts will always be able to find the exact part they want.

All others will pay extra for what they believe is more, but get less.

Intel has been playing this game for 30 years, ever since they first realized they could pump more cash out of antiquated fabs by confusing hacks, store clerks and punters.

And unlike many of Intel's tactics, this one, being universally used by governments around the globe, is completely legal.

core i7 965 and core 2 QX9770 arent that far apart in performance???? did you really write that? the i7 920 beats the QX9770 more often than not and in the process has pretty much rendered said core 2 extreme parts obsolete!! the gap by the semi conductor industry is pretty much a gulf