According to market rumours, Intel plans to bring the launch of desktop microprocessors based on the code-named Nehalem micro-architecture a couple of months forward. This is not the first rumour of such kind that indicates Intel’s ability to release the new breed of chips in Q3 instead of Q4 2008.

The first Intel code-named Bloomfield microprocessors along with Intel X58 chipsets will be formally launched in September, not on November or December, as previously planned, a news-story at DigiTimes web-site that cites unnamed makers of mainboards reads. The launch of the new chips already in the third quarter of this year will put terrific pressure on Intel’s arch-rival Advanced Micro Devices, whose 45nm microprocessors will only start to ship in Q4 2008.

The new central processing units (CPUs) as well as mainboards will reach the channel early in October, but it is likely that so-called boutique system builders, such as Alienware, Mainger or Voodoo, will be able to release their machines powered by the first processors based on Nehalem micro-architecture earlier than that.

Mainboard makers doubt that Bloomfield processors will compete against Intel Core 2 Extreme or Intel Core 2 Quad chips since they utilize different infrastructure. However, this may be argued since enthusiasts, who buy premium-class components, may easily switch to newer processors despite of more expensive mainboards and memory. As a consequence, given the fact that Intel Bloomfield chips are expected to be available at $284, $562 and $999 price-points, Intel may have to reconsider pricing of existing chips.

The quad-core code-named Bloomfield chip based on Intel Nehalem micro-architecture will feature simultaneous multi-threading technology, 8MB of L3 cache, triple-channel integrated DDR3 memory controller that supports up to1333MHz clock-speeds as well as Intel QuickPath interconnect (QPI). The chip will be able to execute eight threads at once, the same number as today’s ultra expensive “Skulltrail” systems that carry two quad-core processors.

Intel did not comment on the news-story.

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