Round Rock (TX) - Dell received the honor of unveiling the first quad-core desktop computer. Just hours before Intel will formally announce its Core 2 Extreme QX6700 processor, Dell announced the XPS 710, which looks like a regular XPS gaming system but hides one of the first quad-core CPUs you can buy - for at least $3700.

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Dell will begin offering the XPS 710 with an optional Core 2 Extreme QX6700 processor on Tuesday. The company claims that the CPU will deliver up to 55% more performance than a dual-core Core 2 Extreme X6800 chip. The case design will remain unchanged from the XPS 700 and will be available in "Jet Black" or "Formula Red."

Pricing for the computer will start at $3700 for the Jet Black version (with 750 watt power supply) and at $3800 (with 1000 watt power supply) if you prefer the aggressive red front of the XPS 7 chassis. Dell's cheapest XPS 7 with the dual-core Core 2 Extreme X6800 currently starts at about $3000, which makes the privilege to own an early quad-core system a rather pricey upgrade.

However, the XPS 710 may be one of the cheaper options to put a quad-core system under your Christmas tree: The Core 2 Extreme QX6700 processor will remain in limited production for some time and may pop up mainly at enthusiast PC builders, where high-end PC prices typically start well north of $5000.

If you don't mind the extra expense, you may also be interested in a new LCD Dell wants you to look at. The company will offer a new 30" display, which keeps the resolution of its predecessor at 2560x1600 pixels, but promises to achieve a color gamut of 92%, which, according to the manufacturer, creates richer colors "for a dramatic gaming experience." The display will cost $1600.

Related articles:
Opinion: Should you switch to quad-core now?
Intel unleashes quad-core processors
Tom's Hardware benchmarks Intel's first quad-core "Kentsfield"
Intel's quad-core rings in a new era of enthusiast systems
Dell's first quad-core systems indicate hefty premium for Kentsfield CPU
Intel quad-core QX6700 makes official debut in price/performance charts
Intel Roadmap update 11/2007: Core 2 Duo to hit 3 GHz, introduce FSB1333 in Q3 '07

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