Intel Corp., the world’s largest producer of x86 microprocessors, has lifted embargo on publication of quad-core chip’s reviews and benchmark results. Even though quad-core chips yet to reach the market, independent tests of the processor demonstrate Intel’s over Advanced Micro Devices in certain terms.

Unfortunately for the Core 2 Extreme QX6700, world’s first quad-core x86 microprocessor, it does not outperform its rivals across the board, as Intel had to reduce its clock-speed from 2.93GHz (of the previous “Extreme” processor) to 2.66GHz, whereas software typically used on desktop computers hardly can take advantage from four processing engines.

“There are not that many applications yet that could use the potential of all four cores and load them to the full extent. In fact, these are only 3D rendering tools, video editing tools and a few codecs. These are the few applications where multi-core architecture can show its real best and prove adequate to its theoretical potential. Since there are not that many optimized applications, Kentsfield processors cannot yet become the ultimate leaders from the performance-per-watt prospective. Dual-core Conroe based CPUs still retain the leadership here,” said Ilya Gavrichenkov, an analyst for X-bit labs, in his article entitled “Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6700 and Core 2 Quad Q6600 Processors: Quad-Core CPUs Gone Real!”.

Intel’s first quad-core microprocessor for desktops works at 2.66GHz, use 1066MHz processor system bus, has 8MB (4MB per two cores) of level-two cache and is positioned as Intel’s top-of-the-range offering for gamers and enthusiasts. The new chip combines two Core 2 Duo dice on a single piece of substrate, thus, is not so-called “native” quad-core design.

The new processor will cost $999 in 1000-unit quantities and will be available later this month.