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For its upcoming high performance and energy efficiency desktop processors based on its "Nehalem" architecture, Intel has said that the chips will be branded "Intel Core processor," with the first products in the family, including an "Extreme Edition" version, to carry an "i7" identifier and formally branded as "Intel Core i7 processors."

Intel noted that this is the first of several new identifiers to come as different products launch over the next year, which the company expects will extend its processor leadership in future mobile, desktop and server market segments.

"The Core name is and will be our flagship PC processor brand going forward. Expect Intel to focus even more marketing resources around that name and the Core i7 products starting now," commented Sean Maloney, Intel executive VP and general manager for the sales and marketing group, in a statement.

Intel explained that the "Core processor" brand name has gained awareness over the past several years and remains the logical choice for the Nehalem-based processors, with the Intel Core i7 processor brand logo to be available for high-performance desktop PCs with a separate black logo for Intel's high-end "Extreme Edition."

The first Nehalem-based products are expected to be in production in Q4, and will contain Intel's Hyper-Threading Technology, also known as simultaneous multi-threading, capable of handling eight software "threads" on four processor cores, the company reminded.

By Ann Steffora Mutschler, Senior Editor - Electronic News

See also: Electronics Weekly's Focus on Intel, a roundup of content on the chip giant's technology. As well as presenting news coverage from Electronics Weekly, we draw on wider resources available on the Web.

See also: Electronics Weekly's focus on x86 microprocessors, a roundup of content related to x86 microprocessor technologies and developments.