Intel plans to launch the third model of its four-core processor in January, continuing its efforts to stay ahead of Advanced Micro Devices on the next-generation processor family. Intel will launch the Core 2 Quad chip for high-end desktop PCs during the CES trade show in Las Vegas the week of Jan. 8, industry sources said. The new chip follows Intel"s launch in November of its quad-core Xeon 5300 for servers and Core 2 Extreme QX6700 for gamers.
Quad-core chips can handle complex tasks faster than single-core chips by using multithreaded software to break each job into smaller pieces, then computing them simultaneously. The chips are most popular with users of servers and workstations running programs like digital media creation and high-end gaming.