Intel's upcoming 2.93GHz Core 2 Extreme X6800 gaming-oriented processor will set you back just over £775 if pre-order prices posted by one UK supplier is anything to go by. Or you have the regular 1.83GHz Core 2 Duo E6300 for under £153 if you fancy a cheaper 'Conroe'.

Overclockers UK is now taking orders for the next-generation Intel architecture desktop chips. The website is also offering the 2.13GHz E6400 for £182, the 2.4GHz E6600 for £253 and the 2.67GHz E6700 for £411, give or take a little small change. Prices include VAT.

All five 65n dual-core processors operate with a 1066MHz frontside bus speed and contain 4MB of L2 cache shared between the two cores. They're all 64-bit chips and support Intel's Extended SpeedStep Technology to boost overall energy efficiency.

The supplier points to the parts' suitability for overclocking, mentioning "reports of overclocks well over 3.2GHz already achieved with just basic air cooling". It reckons it will ship the chips in the July/August timeframe. ®

Read Reg Hardware's Core 2 Duo Performance Preview here

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