Intel will offer Intel Core 2 micro-architecture for cost effective computers starting from the second quarter 2006, if a report published by an Asian web-site is to be believed. The new chips are currently called Conroe-L and offer only one processing engines, not two, as more advanced Conroe brethren.

While the branding is to be decided, according to slides published, it is highly-likely that the value chips based on the Core 2 micro-architecture will be sold under Core 2 Solo trademark. The slides, which are believed to be leaked by mainboard makers to HKEPC web-site, also imply that the code-named Conroe-L products will be substitute not only Pentium 4 processors, but also Celeron D chips.

It is claimed that Core 2 Solo processors will have one core, 1MB or 512KB level-two cache, feature 64-bit capability, execute disable bit and Intel Enhanced SpeedStep technology, however, the value processors will not support virtualization technology. The Conroe-L processors will use 800MHz processor system bus, but it is yet unknown, which mainboards will actually support the new central processing units (CPUs).

The new micro-architecture known as Core 2 will allow Intel Corp. to better compete against Advanced Micro Devices in the value market segment and increase its average selling price of such products, as customers may be willing to pay slightly more for the chips, which perform rather rapidly while consuming a low amount of power.

Intel did not comment on the news-story.