Intel is all set to release a processor with Six cores as early as March 2010 already, yes that might be during CeBIT then. And yes you heard me right...six cores and thus 12 threads.

What we originally expected to be named a Core i9 processor is going to be called a Core i7 980X with the X for Extreme (and thus unlocked). The six core or hexacore processor goes by the codename "Gulftown". The Core i7 980X will be compatible with X58 chipset based motherboards which will require only a BIOS update. Gulftown supports 1066MHz DDR3 memory and has a TDP of 130W.

The processor operates at a frequency of 3.06 GHz (according to the latest rumor) and features a massive 12MB L3 cache. Again, Gulftown will be socket 1366 compatible and work with all X58 motherboards after a BIOS upgrade.