The Taiwanese tech publication DigiTimes reports that Intel is planning to cut desktop CPU prices in the third quarter this year as it launches new processors. Considering that the Intel Developer Forum is in mid-August, that timing should jive nicely.

Intel does not comment on these sorts of speculation, so we're going to have to give DigiTimes and its sources at Taiwanese motherboard manufacturers the benefit of the doubt. Much of what they are predicting is in line with past behaviors.

According to the report, Intel will introduce the Core 2 Quad Q9650, a 3Ghz chip, at $530 in lots of 1,000. This will supplant the 2.8GHz Core 2 Quad Q9550, which will have its price trimmed from $530 to $316.

The Core 2 Quad 9450 will be phased out and replaced with the Core 2 Quad 9400 at 2.66GHz and a suggested price of $266. The Core 2 Quad Q9300 and Q6700 will also be phased out, leaving the 2.4GHz Q6600 as the only 65nm quad-core CPU left on Intel's active lineup. Its price will drop again, from $224 to $203.

A similar practice of phasing out 65nm parts for 45nm will take place in the dual-core line. Intel will launch the Core 2 Duo E8600 at 3.33GHz for $266 and will phase out the Core 2 Duo E8300. There will be a new midrange part, the Core 2 Duo E7300, which will clock at 2.66GHz and cost $133. Intel will cut the prices of the Core 2 Duo E8500, the E8400 and the Core 2 Duo E7200 to $183, $163 and $113, respectively.

Sounds like some good deals coming up, if it all pans out.