Triple-core and quad-core processors show up in sub-$600 PCs

For about half a year it seemed like entry-level quad-core PCs were stuck in the $800 to $1000 range, with Intel’s Core 2 Quad Q6600 controlling supply and demand. But suddenly we are seeing a whole new dynamic in this market. Large retail chains are selling what we would consider cheap multi-core processor systems that are competing with some aging dual-core systems still in inventory and are pushing more up-to-date dual-core PCs below $500 and even into the sub-$300 segment.