Intel is quite confident that Core i7 Extreme 965 with 3.2GHz will be enough for performance dominance, at least in Q4 and Q1 2009. After that it might consider launching a new, faster version of Nehalem, but this is something that will depend on AMD's ability to come close to 3.2GHz unlocked Nehalem.

The plans and positioning for Q4 and Q1 2009 are solid but Intel plans to launch quad-core Lynnfield in the performance market in Q3 2009, while i7-965 and i7 940 CPUs might actually get faster iterations.

Intel is well know for changing its plans quite often, so all cards are on the table. We will be lucky to see 3GHz Deneb 45nm quad-core by January and we simply don’t see any window of opportunity for AMD to outperform Core i7 965 with its eight threads and superb overclocking.

The point is, if AMD gets close, Intel will launch faster Core i7 CPUs.