The computer maker has ramped up the default speed of 2.6 GHz in the Core 2 Extreme QX6700 processor to 3.2 GHz. The higher clock speed is expected to provide faster and smoother game playing and better performance for running software. Alienware also makes professional computers used in entertainment, government, and business.
The speedier chipset is a standard feature in Alienware's top-of-the-line Area-51 ALX desktop, which lists on the company's Website for $5,800. The over-clocked hardware also is available as an option for the lower-priced Area-51 7500 desktop, which sells for $2,200.
"We designed our latest P2 desktop chassis with future upgradeability and performance in mind," Frank Azor, senior VP of Alienware's Worldwide Product Group, said in a statement.
Intel launched the Core 2 Extreme quad-core desktop processor in November, giving the chipmaker a several-month headstart over rival Advanced Micro Devices. AMD is scheduled to ship its competing product mid-year.
Gamers and makers of workstations and servers eagerly awaited the Intel quad-core processors. Companies that quickly shipped products included IBM, Dell, and Hewlett-Packard.