Intel Corporation Prepping Hex-Core Mainstream Core i7 and Core i5 Desktop Processors

Today, Intel's (NASDAQ: INTC) mainstream desktop processor family consists of three basic processor types. At the very top are quad-core processors with a technology called HyperThreading enabled. That technology allows each processor core to act as two logical processors, so those chips -- sold under the Core i7 branding -- are referred to as four-core/eight-thread processors.

Then, under the Core i5 branding, Intel sells processors with four physical cores, but with HyperThreading disabled, making them four-core/four-thread processors. Then, finally, at the low end, Intel sells two-core/four-thread processors under its Core i3 branding.

Image source: Intel.

Source: Fool.com