Intel has debuted its latest dual-core desktop Pentium D processors, launching the chip family as the 9xx series.

The chip giant this week added four models to its price list: the 920, 930, 940 and 950, all containing 4MB of L2 cache split into two 2MB chunks, one for each of the two cores in the chip package. All four operate on an 800MHz frontside bus. The CPUs are clocked at 2.8GHz, 3GHz, 3.2GHz and 3.4GHz, respectively.

Interestingly, Intel's price list has the chips down as 90nm parts, suggesting they are not the 65nm 'Presler' chips expected to debut in Q1 2006.

Intel also launched the Pentium 4 631, 641, 651 and 661 this week. Again, these had model numbers previously earmarked for the 65nm 'Cedar Mill' processor line, the single-core version of Presler. Clocked at 3GHz, 3.2GHz, 3.4GHz and 3.6GHz, respectively, the chips are priced at $178, $218, $273 and $401 in batches of 1,000 CPUs - the same pricing as the 630, 640, 650 and 660.

The 920, 930, 940 and 950 are priced at $241, $316, $423 and $637, respectively. The 90nm Pentium D line-up remains on sale at the same price-points as before, but the chip giant is expected to make price cuts later this month.

Our research indicates the 9xx and 6x1 lines do indeed comprise 65nm cores, as expected, and the 90nm attribution is an error. Intel itself wouldn't comment on the parts on way or the other. ®