Intel seeing weak dual-core sales, but memory makers remain hopeful

Taiwan-based DRAM makers expect the upcoming price cuts for Intel 945 chipsets will speed the market?s migration to DDR2-667, while motherboard makers may be hoping the drop in price will provide a needed jolt to the less than satisfactory Intel dual-core CPU system sales, according to Taiwan motherboard and DRAM makers.

Intel is unlikely to reach its dual-core CPU shipment goals in the second and third quarters due to weak demand, according to sources with motherboard makers.

With weak demand for Pentium D processors, Intel will be unable to see the dual-core segment account for 5% of its LGA775 socket processor shipments in the second quarter, the sources said. Intel had also expected dual-core Pentium D CPUs to account for 10% of its LGA775 socket processor shipments in the third quarter, and 15% in the fourth quarter, but the sources stated Pentium D shipments will fall far short of Intel?s goal in the third quarter.