September 17, 2K6
Kentsfield is the codename for the quad-core CPU that Intel has in store for us by the end of this year. Its design is relatively simple and consists of putting together two Core 2 Duo processors in a single CPU.
Originally only the 975X chipset was to support Kentsfield. However, support has been expanded to include the P965 chipset as well. Making the P965 chipset support Kentsfield is "not that easy".
Changes had to be made to the specification for the P965. This is no good if you have already designed your motherboards. Manufacturers accordingly "are unhappy".
Bottom line? Not all P965 motherboards will support the new Kentsfield CPU.
Putting together two dual-core CPUs is arguably not the best way to build a quad-core CPU. This is the sort of thing that got Intel in trouble with the Pentium D, which was two Pentium 4s put together.
However, this is probably the fastest path to quad-core. It's important that quad-core get in the hands of software developers as soon as possible, so they can start optimizing code for quad-core. Hardware precedes software.
By doubling the cores, you potentially double performance. However, the software has to be well-threaded to take better advantage of four cores.
Don't be too surprised if Intel comes out with a second generation quad-core part. After all, they came out with three generations of dual-core CPUs (Pentium D, Core Duo, and Core 2 Duo).
Expect Intel to put two quad-core CPUs together to produce the industry's first eight-core CPU design, if they hold true to the pattern they're establishing.