Intel Details Dual Core 'Pentium D'

At the Intel Developer Forum Wednesday, Intel's Digital Home group manager Don MacDonald disclosed details of the company's upcoming dual-core desktop processor, dubbed Pentium D. Formerly known by its codename "Smithfield," the Pentium D will work with the Intel 945G Express or 945P Express chipsets that feature high definition audio.

Intel has designed the Pentium D for simultaneous use scenarios in the "digital home." For instance, a child could be playing a game while a parent is in the living room accessing stored audio or video with a remote control. PC designs based upon the new processor are expected to hit the market from major OEMs in the second quarter.