Intel likely to delay mainstream Core i7 to August

Intel is likely to  delay the formal launch of its mainstream, desktop Core i7 processors by at least a month, say claims from mainboard producers.

Chips based on the quad-core Lynnfield design, which are expected to bring Core i7 below its current high-end focus, are reportedly now being pushed back from late July to at least late August along with the P55 mainboard chipset meant to run it. Poor economic conditions are said to have created significant overstock problems that will require mainboard firms to continue selling existing hardware for longer.

The delay could get longer if the situation worsens, the supposed insiders add.

A similar effect is said to be happening for the company's dual-core Havendale design, which is intended for budget desktops. Although samples are due for the chip as early as next month, mass production won't start until September or October with an actual launch postponed until January, when enough of the current Core 2-based processors will have cleared out of stock.

If corroborated by additional sources, it's unknown whether or not these oversupply issues will affect Auburndale, a relative of Havendale intended for mobile processors and due to ship in roughly the same timeframe as Lynnfield.