Intel releases trio of more affordable processors

September 1, 2008 by J.R. Nelson Reads (1,460)

Intel updated its processor list yesterday with a number of new, lower-cost CPUs. A new Celeron D processor aimed at low-end machines, the 2.2GHz 450, was listed at $53. A new Core 2 Duo chip, the E5200, was also introduced. It has a clock speed of 2.5GHz with 2MB of on-board cache. At $84, it’s now the cheapest retail Core 2 Duo chip in Intel’s line.

Most interestingly, however, is the new quad-core chip, the Q8200. It’s being listed at $224, which is the second-cheapest Intel Core 2 Quad processor (with the infamous Q6600 taking that coveted spot). The table below illustrates how the Q6600 fares against the low-priced newcomer.

Intel Q6600 vs Intel Q8200:

Q6600	Q8200
2.4GHz 8MB cache 9x Multiplier 1066MHz FSB 95W TDP Socket 775 65nm manufacturing process	2.33GHz 4MB cache 7x Multiplier 1333MHz FSB 95W TDP Socket 775 45nm manufacturing process

It’s nice to see Intel releasing some processors on the cheaper side of things, since more affordable performance is always a good thing. It also provides much cheaper alternatives to what will likely be the rather pricey upcoming Core i7 platform.