New range includes Core 2 Duo E6x50 series of budget performance desktop processors.

With rival AMD claiming to be ready to launch its quad-core series of processors in August, Intel has wasted no time in launching a boxload of new processors for both the desktop and notebook.

The major release includes the first desktop processors clocking along a 1333MHz front-side bus (FSB) thanks to the new Bearlake-class P35 chipset that is doing the rounds in current motherboards from the major vendors.

The new Core 2 Duo E6850, E6750 and E6550 mainstream desktop processors all feature 4MB of secondary-level (L2) cache memory and run on the 1333MHz FSB.

The E6850 clocks in at 3GHz, the E6750 at 2.66GHz and the E6550 at 2.33GHz.

Two new quad-core processors also make the stage with the Core 2 Quad Q6700 clocking in at 2.66GHz and features a hefty 8MB of L2 cache memory.

Top of the desktop tree is the Core 2 Extreme QX6850 with its four cores, 3GHz clock speed and 8MB of L2 cache memory.

All chips conform to Intel’s LGA775 processor and work in any P35 chipset motherboard.

But it’s the notebook arena that has garnered special interest from Intel with the release of its first Core 2 Extreme X7800 processor specifically aimed at notebook computers.

The dual-core processor clocks in at 2.66GHz but unlike other Intel processors, the multiplier ratio setting has been unlocked to allow enthusiasts to overclock the chip to their heart’s content.

"Laptops are the fastest-growing computing market segment, and there is increasing demand from those who crave the ultimate in video, gaming and design computing performance yet want the freedom and flexibility that a laptop brings," said Mooly Eden, Intel vice president and general manager, Mobile Platforms Group. "Due to our innovative technology and design capabilities, we can offer world-class, power-smart performance for the most demanding mobile users, and are proud to offer it under our Intel Core 2 Extreme brand -- a name that has become synonymous with ultimate performance."

The release of these chips coincides with the one-year anniversary of the release of Intel’s Core series architecture.

All chips are available now and wholesale prices (in lots of 1000) are as below.