Intel Corp. reportedly plans to scrap the introduction of mainstream single-core microprocessors based on the Core 2 micro-architecture and reportedly plans to introduce dual-core Pentium E2000 family in mid-2007 instead to target market segments of mainstream computers, the reports claim.

The forthcoming Pentium E2000 family will initially consist of two processors – Intel Pentium E2140 (1.60GHz) and Intel Pentium E2160 (1.80GHz) – both based on the Conroe 1M core and produced using 65nm fabrication process, according to a news-story by HKEPC web-site. The new dual-core chips will have 1MB of unified level-two cache, will be compatible with 800MHz processor system bus, will support 64-bit capability, execute disable bit, Intel’s Enhanced SpeedStep technology and will have 65W thermal design power.

Previous reports indicated that Intel will offer Core 2 Duo 4300 processor in the Q1 2007. The chip will be clocked at 1.80GHz, will use 800MHz processor system bus (PSB), will have 2MB of level-two (L2) cache shared between two cores and will be designed to fit into LGA775 socket. The new chip will lack virtualization technology, but will still retain 64-bit capability (EM64T), execute disable bit (EDB) and Intel Enhanced SpeedStep technology (EIST).

The new chips are mainly positioned to substitute the older-generation Intel Pentium 4 500-/600-series as well as Intel Pentium D 800-/900-series microprocessors in the mainstream market.

Pricing of the Intel Pentium E2000 chips is not completely clear yet, but it is highly likely that the processors will debut at the price significantly below $163, however, it is uncertain whether they will cost less than $93 – the lower price-tag for a Pentium-branded chip ever. The Core 2 Duo 4300 processor is likely to be priced at $163 or below.

Intel did not comment on the news-story.