Intel Unveils Powerful New Computer Platform

The new platform, which had been code-named Skulltrail, not only includes a record number of processors for a consumer grade computer, it also allows enthusiasts to load the machine with multiple graphics cards for high-end 3D rendering.

Intel, the world's largest semiconductor company, said the new platform will run the firm's 45-nanometer Penryn microprocessors which went on the market late last year.

Skulltrail was officially in San Francisco at a video game conference, but the machine may initially be most popular for workstation tasks, such as jobs such as rendering photographs and video.

"For the team creating world-class games here, time is one of our most valuable assets," said Robert A. Duffy, programming director at game maker Id Software - the maker of the Doom franchise. "Having eight powerful Intel cores in a single machine helps our team create and test our latest titles at record speed."

Estimated street pricing for the new mother board is $649. A desktop computer with a fully outfitted Skulltrail motherboard is expected to cost $6,000 or more.

Several enthusiast PC manufacturers plan to offer systems based on this new platform starting today and over the next 30 days, Intel said.