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Intel’s planned launch of its next-generation Xeon processor, codenamed Nocona, next week has stirred a wave of market reports that the chipset giant may soon come out with a 64-bit desktop chip, according to sources at Taiwanese PC makers.

The Nocona chips will be available at clock speeds of 2.8, 3.0, 3.2, 3.4 and 3.6 GHz. The Nocona will be Intel’s first chip that incorporates the EM64T (extended memory 64 technology) that will allow servers and workstations to run both 32-bit and 64-bit applications, said the sources.

The Nocona, built using a 90nm process, features a 1MB of level 2 cache and an 800 MHz front-side bus (FSB).

Local PC makers pointed out that Intel has a record of developing its chips for Pentium 4 and Xeon processors with the same code and that the expectation for a Nocona-based Pentium 4 chip for desktops is not groundless.

Some makers speculated that Intel may launch a 64-bit desktop-use chip by the end of the third quarter

http://www.digitimes.com/NewsShow/Ar...ages=A7&seq=39

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