However, the concern at this stage is that even though we will be able to have chips in stock shortly, Intel will not allow us to sell on to end-users before August 7th.  We will continue to take pre-orders and secure/reserve stock for these orders leading up to this date, so you still have the advantage of ordering early and having stock reserved for you (at SecretNet), however we can not ship the orders until August 7th (or so they will not arrive at their destination before August 7th) due to this contractual restriction by Intel.

Please note that this is an industry-wide restriction, and not one imposed on SecretNet alone.

Update 21 Jul 2006: We re-enabled pre-ordering of the new Core 2 Duo CPUs this evening.  You can find them in the CPU category.  To pre-order, simply click on the product description which will reveal add and remove buttons for the item.  System builder quotes will be able to feature the Core 2 Duo as of Monday.

For a rundown of why these chips are so great, see the Overclockers Australia review by Chainbolt.  You should probably also listen to the OCAU Podcast Episode 15 for an audio interview with Chainbolt which runs over the difference in a more casual manner.

Whilst I'm on a linking frenzy, perhaps I should mention the SecretNet Chat Room which is commonly active with chatter (technology and otherwise).  I should note that SecretNet staff are not always monitoring the chat room, so e-mail is still best for any formal queries, however there are usually a few people in our chat room who will try and help you out.  You can chat straight from your Web browser.

Update 24 Jul 2006: Insane price drops on the weekend across the AMD and Intel lines.  Now's a great time to get a new high-end machine for an excellent price.