"Intel is considering extending the life-cycle of its socket 775-based processors to 2011 and is expected to let these CPUs cover the entry-level segment, according to sources at motherboard makers.

Currently, Core i7 processors use the new socket 1366, while in the third quarter of 2009, Intel will launch Nehalem-based mainstream desktop PC processors based on socket 1156.

If socket 775-based processors do get extended to 2011, 4-series chipsets will also need a longer life-cycle, therefore Intel is planning to make some modifications to its 4-series chipsets including boosting the G45's image processing performance, and adding Post Processing and Report Mode technologies to boost the chipset's image quality and add support of 24Hz monitors.

For the G43 chipset, Intel will improve memory slot support from two DIMMs originally to four and increase capacity from 8GB DDR2 and 4GB DDR3 to 16GB DDR2 and 8GB DDR3. G41 chipsets will see the addition of an HDMI port, as well as support of the ICH7 southbridge and RAID."