Intel: 50-watt quad-core in early 2007

SAN FRANCISCO--Intel's Xeon 5300 "Clovertown" processor consumes 80 watts or, with a higher-end "performance-optimized" version, 120 watts. But early in 2007, the company will release a 50-watt Clovertown, said Tom Kilroy, co-general manager of Intel's Digital Enterprise Group, at an Intel software event here Tuesday.

It's not yet clear at what clock speed the processor will run, but it's expected to be less than 2GHz. Processors running at lower frequencies consume less electrical power and throw off less waste heat, both a major concern for computer customers.

The Xeon 5300 processors combine two Xeon 5100 "Woodcrest" chips into a single package. Intel began selling them Tuesday.