Intel has scheduled to launch its quad-core processor, codenamed "Kentsfield", in the first quarter of 2007. At about the same time, rival AMD will debut its K8L series, a quad-core upgrade of its K8 architecture, reports Digitimes.com citing Taiwanese industry sources.

The launch of Intel's 64-bit dual-core processor, the Conroe that will be included in its "Averill" platform for business desktops, will happen in September, following the June launch of AMD's Socket AM2 CPU offering, the sources noted. Despite Intel's late entry, its Conroe series will be manufactured on a 65nm process, as opposed to AMD's 90nm manufacturing node.

The demand for the new quad core processors is expected to be increased early next year, when Microsoft's new operating system will be available.