Intel shows off first six-core desktop processor

Intel's newest Core i7 chip can process 12 software threads simultaneously

Intel has used the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco to preview the company's first desktop processor with six cores.

The 32nm Core i7-980X Extreme Edition, codenamed Gulftown, runs at 3.33GHz and is capable of processing 12 software threads simultaneously.

Intel declined to say when the processor will be available, but some retailers are already taking orders, indicating an early release.

The chip giant also showed off the third version of its Graphics Performance Analyser (GPA), which helps developers analyse the ability of code to handle faster graphics and identify bottlenecks that could slow performance.

"With Intel GPA v3.0, developers can ensure that their titles run on the full spectrum of Intel Core processors (Core i3, Core i5 with HD Graphics, Core i7 and Core i7 Extreme Edition) and chipsets with a new platform-focused toolset," said the company.

"The platform view for task-based multi-core optimisations and a simplified automated game launch workflow help developers save valuable time. The updated toolkit now includes support for DirectX 10.1 and 64-bit game executables."