Intel already has a range of Sandy Bridge quad-core Core i5 and Core i7 chips for desktops. Many of those chips are targeted at gamers, who can overclock the processor to boost desktop performance.

The new Ivy Bridge chips will outperform predecessors, Intel has said. The chips will include 3D transistors and will be made using the new 22-nanometer manufacturing process. Intel has claimed that 22-nm 3D transistors will consume a little less than half the power and be 37 percent faster than Intel's existing 32-nm process chips, which have 2D transistors.

Technology site Anandtech with Ivy Bridge compared to Sandy Bridge.

The demand for PCs has been depressed due to hard-drive shortages, which ultimately hurt processor shipment, Otellini said. But PC shipments could rebound as the hard-drive situation normalizes and after Microsoft releases its upcoming Windows 8 operating system. Microsoft has not provided a release date for Windows 8.