A month ago Intel launched the world first Quad Core for high-end users. Most of users and perhaps you may still wait for a reasonable price to upgrade your computer. Good news is that Intel has just announced its releasing schedule for Core 2 Quad Q6400, the cheapest Quad Core we know. Since according to our report on the upcoming Intel’s price slash, Core 2 Quad Q6600 will have a new price at $531 (previously $851), Core 2 Quad Q6400 is most likely has a price lower than $450 when it is released into market in Q3 2007, implying Quad Core is no longer be high end only.

Core 2 Quad Q6400 remains in Kentsfield core like others released models. Standards for this model include: 65nm manufacturing process, LGA 775 package, clock speed at 2.13Ghz, 1066MHz FSB, and 4MB x 2 L2 Cache. Core 2 Quad Q6400 also support for Intel ViiV, VT, EIST, 64 and Execute Disable Bit. Combining the performance provided and the low price, this would be a great rival for AMD’s AM2+ processors.

In addition, Intel’s native Quad Core, codenamed Yorkfield, is scheduled to release in the second half of 2007. The native Quad Core will introduce a 6MB L2 Shaded Cache, lower the latency between the cores. Besides, its FSB has upgraded to 1333MHz and will be fabricated in 45nm process.

At the end of this year, Intel internally estimated its shipment of Quad Core will not exceed 1%, yet this figure will step up; 5% after the launch of Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 in Q1 2007 and further increase to 8% after the launch of Core 2 Quad Q6400 in Q3 2007.