While I doubt the two extra cores will come into play for quite some time, it’s not stopping Intel from officially launching its new Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 today. The Q6600 is not Intel’s very first quad-core processor, the Core 2 Extreme QX6700 is. But, it is the first non-server, non-enthusiast quad-core processor.

Specifications:

• 65nm
• 8M L2 Cache
• 2.4GHz
• 1066MHz FSB

The Q6600 is expected to cost around $850 if bought now. Pretty steep, unless bragging rights are what you seek.

Together with Q6600, Intel also introduced two new quad-core server processors, Xeon 3220 (2.4GHz) and Xeon X3210 (2.13GHz). Both have the same 8M L2 Cache and 1066MHz FSB as the Q6600.