Intel Corp. is expected to release up to nine new models of Itanium processors based on the design known as Montecito before the end of next year, according to a news-story filed last week. All the chips will run at clock-speeds only a bit higher compared to today’s Itanium 2 microprocessors, but those new central processing units will be able to dynamically overclock themselves by 200MHz, boosting the speed further.

The first three Itanium 2 processors based on the Montecito core will be single-core 1.60GHz (model 9010), dual-core 1.40GHz (model 9020) as well as dual-core 1.60GHz (model 9040). Dual-core Itanium 2 processors will have 18MB of L2 cache as well as 533MHz processor system bus (PSB), whereas the single-core flavour will sport 6MB of cache and will use 400MHz PSB, according to CNET News.com web-site. The chipmaker reportedly plans to ship Montecito in limited quantities this year, with full volume beginning in the first quarter of 2006.

In the second quarter, Intel is expected to release its Itanium processor with two processing engine with 24MB of cache and 1.80GHz clock-speed. In the same quarter the manufacturer also plans to refresh the 9010, 9020 and 9040 lineup with a faster 667MHz Quad Pumped Bus. Those new versions will be called the 9011, 9021 and 9041. Intel also plans to reveal Itanium processor 9030 and 9031 that will be clocked at 1.70GHz and contain 8MB of cache.

According to the news-story, the code-named Montecito processors will have 130W power consumption, but there will also be low-voltage flavours with 62W consumption.

All Montecito processors are projected to support Foxton technology that increases clock-speed of the chip by 200MHz in cases where temperature levels are low enough. Once the chip starts to overheat, the clock-speed is reduced to stock levels.