Intel announced Feb. 8 instant rebates—between $40 and $80—for VARs selling its Pentium-D Dual Core processor line between Feb. 5 and April 22.
Intel channel officials declined to comment on pricing strategies but said the rebates are part of the channel program's goal to make the dual-core chips successful.
"This is consistent with the direction set nearly a year ago when Intel [CEO Paul Otellini publicly] established the goal to make Intel Core Duo technology about 70 percent of our performance volume," said Steve Dallman, Intel's director of American distribution and channel sales and marketing. "This is not a sudden change, but the next step in our ramp of Intel Core Duo technology."
VAR rebates are up to $40 for the Pentium-D 820, up to $60 for the Pentium-D 830 and up to $80 for the Pentium-D 840. The Pentium-D 805 and 840 Extreme Edition as well as the Pentium-D 900 series and 955 Extreme Edition are not eligible.
The rebate is in addition to a current Pentium-D promotion, whereby VARs receive a $100 rebate on the first five boxed Pentium D 820, 830 or 840 before Feb. 25. Intel Premium Providers can receive a $1,500 rebate on any combination of 100 of the same purchased before Feb. 25.
