It seems that we will eventually see Intel coming up with the first 8-core processor for desktops in 2H 2014. The enthusiast-grade Haswell-E 'Hallo' platform will reportedly offer DDR4 memory support, will be unlocked and quad channel memory with up to 16 threads.
Built for enthusiasts and overclockers, the 22nm Haswell-E series of CPUs will not pack a GPU die and will be available in 6 and 8-core versions, with up to 20mB shared cache, up to 40 PCI lanes, compatible with the LGA 2011-3 socket and a TDP in the range of 130~140 Watt. The CPU's integrated memory controller will feature 4 channels DDR4 2133 memory. The LGA 2011-3 socket has the same dimensions and ball pattern pitch as LGA 2011.
The extreme performance platform will be also introduce the 'Wellsburg' family of motherboard chipsets. The new feature here is the support for quad-channel DDR4 RAM (1.2V) clocked up to 2133 MHz - a configuration that could lead to a significant increase in bandwidth compared to the triple-channel memory configurations.
According to slides posted online by the
VR-zone website, the Haswell-E CPUs will offer up to 55% multithreaded performance over the quad-core Haswell CPUs, a higher discrete graphics performance with 40 lanes of PCIe Gen 3 with support of up to 4 dGFX cards, as well as a dramatically cut down of RAW video editing time powered by quad channel memory and up to 16 threads.