Intel to roll out new six-core processors soon

Intel is preparing to launch new six-core processors for high-end desktops as well as servers in the first half of the year. The desktop processor is code-named Gulftown and contains a whopping 1.17 billion transistors. Targeted toward power users and gaming enthusiasts; the 32-nanometer chips will have 12MB of cache and fit into the same socket used by the quad-core Core i7.

The server side of things will also see Intel launching new Westmere-EP six core chips. The Westmere-EP will be offered under the Xeon brand name and will come with a new instruction set to enable them to perform faster data encryption and decryption of AES (Advanced Encryption Standard). New power management techniques will also mean that idle cores can be selectively shut down to conserve power.

For more on this story:
- check out this article at ZDNet Blog
- check out this article at PC World 

Related Articles:
Report: ARM processors will outsell Intel in mobile PCs in 2013
Intel unveils 32-nm family of processors
Intel to launch next-generation processors
FTC sues Intel over stifling competition
Intel demonstrates 48-core processor