Intel this week slashed prices on several Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Quad processors by up to 20 percent. The chip maker also introduced a pair of new processors, the Core 2 Quad Q8400S and Q8400 for $245 and $183, respectively. This month's price cuts break down as follows:

• Core 2 Quad Q9300: $213 down from $266
• Core 2 Quad Q9550S: $320 down from $369
• Core 2 Quad Q9400S: $277 down from $320
• Core 2 Quad Q8200S: $213 down from $245
• Core 2 Duo SP9400: $284 down from $316
• Core 2 Duo SU9400: $262 down from $289

Intel's latest round of price cuts come well timed, as AMD today launched its AM3-based Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition processor. While the 955BE serves as AMD's new flagship part, the company is aggressively pushing the chip as the best quad-core in the market within its $245ish price range.