Intel will begin the phase out of single-core processors for desktops in first quarter of 2008 with the launch of an entry-level dual-core series, the Celeron E1000, according to sources at PC makers. The company will also add two 45nm processors in its E4000 family during the quarter.
The first dual-core Celeron processor, the E1200 will have core frequency of 1.6GHz, 800MHz FSB and 512KB L2 cache with price of US$53 in thousand-unit quantities. Although Intel will enter 45nm process production this November, entry-level processors such as those in the E1000 series will still be fabbed at 65nm using a Conroe-based core, noted the sources.