Typically Intel cuts CPU prices around the same time each year, right after the new year is a particularly popular time for Intel to slash their CPU pricing. With Core 2 dominating the CPU market however, this year may be the exception. HKEPC reports that Intel plans to slash prices on Core 2 in Q2'07, although in Q1'07 we'll see the introduction of two new Core 2 parts: the Core 2 Quad E6600 (priced at $851 according to HKEPC's sources) and the Core 2 Duo E4300 (priced at $163). We've discussed both these processors in great depth in the past, so we won't rehash the details again here, the main feature of the Core 2 Quad is its quad-core Kentsfield core and 2.4GHz clock speed, while the Core 2 Duo E4300 ships with a 2MB L2 cache, 800MHz FSB, and runs at 1.8GHz.

In Q2'07, HKEPC's sources have mentioned significant CPU price cuts, particularly for higher-end dual-core CPUs.

For instance, the Core 2 Duo E6600 will see a reduction of 29% in Q2'07, from $316 to $224, while the E6700's price will be slashed by 40% from $530 to $316. The Q6600 will even see its priced reduced by 9% dropping to just $530 in Q2'07. Meanwhile, Core 2 Duo E6300 will sell for $163 (a drop of 11%) and the E6400 for $183 (a reduction of 18%).

Alongside the new CPU prices, HKEPC also mentions three new Core 2 CPUs coming in Q2'07 for the budget sector. The Core 2 Duo E6320, which features a 1.83GHz clock speed like the current E6300 but ships with twice the cache at 4MB L2, and the Core 2 Duo E6420, which runs at 2.13GHz and features a 4MB L2 cache. The E6420 will carry a $183 pricetag while the E46320 will sell for $163. Meanwhile, towards the bottom of the lineup Intel will introduce the Core 2 Duo E4400, shipping with a 2.0GHz clock speed, 800MHz FSB, and 2MB L2 cache.

For more details, visit HKEPC.

Proposed Intel CPU Pricing through Q2'07
CPU	Clock Speed (GHz)	L2 Cache Size	FSB	Proposed Q1'07 Price	Proposed Q2'07 Price
Core 2 Quad Q6600	2.4GHz	8MB (2x4MB)	1066MHz	$851	$530
Core 2 Duo E6700	2.66GHz	4MB	1066MHz	$530	$316
Core 2 Duo E6600	2.4GHz	4MB	1066MHz	$316	$224
Core 2 Duo E6420	2.13GHz	4MB	1066MHz		$183
Core 2 Duo E6400	2.13GHz	2MB	1066MHz	$224	$183
Core 2 Duo E6320	1.83GHz	4MB	1066MHz		$163
Core 2 Duo E6300	1.83GHz	2MB	1066MHz	$183	$163
Core 2 Duo E4400	2.0GHz	2MB	800MHz		$133
Core 2 Duo E4300	1.8GHz	2MB	800MHz	$163	$113

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