Intel shows first six-core desktop processor

Intel Corp. today showed its first six-core processor for desktops, the Core i7-980X Extreme Edition, which will go into workstations and PCs targeted at gamers.

The new chip will be faster and more power-efficient compared to its past gaming processors, Intel said. Based on a new architecture, the processor includes more cores and will be capable of running 12 threads simultaneously for faster processing, Intel said in a statement. Intel previously sold primarily quad-core chips for gaming PCs.

An Intel spokesman said the chip will run at 3.33GHz, but declined to comment on when the chip will reach systems.

The processor, code-named Gulftown, is on display at the Game Developers Conference being held in San Francisco. However, online retailers are already taking orders for the processor, indicating its release could be close.

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