Intel plans to unveil a dual-core processor, codenamed Smithfield, in mid-2005 instead of sometime in 2006, as originally planned, according to sources at Taiwan motherboard makers.

Intel plans to roll out three versions of the Smithfield processor. One version will be targeted for the performance segment and will be supported by the Glenwood chipset. Two mainstream versions will be supported by the Lakeport chipset, the sources noted.

The Smithfield processors will be resident in socket LGA-775, currently in use on Intel 915/925 motherboards. This will limit the impact on motherboard makers as they move to the new platform, the sources explained. Motherboard makers have welcomed this move by Intel, the sources added.

The Smithfield dual-core processors will be built using a 90nm process.

The first dual-core processor from Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), for the desktop, codenamed Toledo, is slated for launch in the second half of 2005.

From DigiTimes