Intel causes core confusion

Intel’s impending release of its 64-bit Core 2 Duo for desktops, have local systems builders wondering if they will be able to get supply before larger OEMs.

The Intel Core 2 Duo processors for desktop, formerly code-named Conroe, will include two processing cores per chip and are shipping on 23 July.

Harlem Chiang, marketing executive of MSI Computers in Australia has been informed that MSI would not be a main supplier of the product.

“We have been told by our office in Taiwan that we will not be the main suppliers of this product. The directive we were given was the product will go to the brand name vendors first.”

Kamil Aghtan (pictured), executive director of Westan Australia, said there's certainly a possibility that Intel could ship Conroe out to the multinationals before the local systems builders. It has happened on recent occasions, he said.

"I hope it won’t, we have been told by Intel we will get the products first to give local system builders an edge. However, Intel could bow to the whim of politics and go with the big names first.”

He added that there was a lot of confusion amongst resellers about the positioning of forthcoming Intel chip releases. “There’s certainly confusion about what’s going on with product. Intel’s 9000 series is still quite new and now there’s a series of Core 2 Duo to come out into the market,” said Aghtan.

ASI’s product manager, Craig Quinn disputes any rumours about Intel planning to supply big name vendors with the product first.

“I don’t believe it to be true. We are even planning to have a media review product with Conroe out later this month,” he said.