Intel to hold desktop prices until Q2

CHIP GIANT Intel is set to maintain prices on its EXXXX range of products until the second quarter of next year, suggesting it feels confident enough of its position that it can cock a snook at AMD.

According to recent roadmaps seen by the INQ, the prices are set to fall by a considerable amount - the figure in brackets are Q2 prices. The Q6600, which is an 8MB cache 2.40GHz chip will be introduced early in January at $850 ($530). The E6700 is $530 ($316), the E6600 is $316 ($224), the E6420 is $224 ($183), the E6300 is $183 ($163).

In addition. Intel will introduce the 6420, the E6320, and the E4400 in the second quarter. The E6320 and the E6420 are 4MB cache chips.

Expect some reductions in chipset prices too in the first quarter and the second quarter of next year. µ