Intel just released a 64-bit processor for mainstream PCs on Monday, which is Intel’s latest Celeron D 351, the heir-apparent to the current Celeron D S775 processor series. Celeron D 351 is integrated with 64-bit processing technology (Intel named EM64T), whicle Celeron D S775 is only a 32-bit chip.

The news means Intel is a month ahead of rival AMD, which is expected to come out with a chip of the same capacity in July, 2005.

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The new Celeron features 256KB of advanced memory cache, a 533MHz system bus for faster data transfers, a processor speed of 3.20GHz and hardware support that complements Microsoft Windows Service Pack 2.

The introduction of its Celeron D 351 also marks the final transition of Intel’s desktop processor products to 64-bit computing technology. However, Intel still have no near-term plans to release mobile versions of its 64-bit Pentium or Celeron processors.

In addition to its Celeron 351, Intel also announced its Celeron 350. The chip runs at speeds of 3.20GHz, but does not support Intel EM64T. The two processors range in price from USD$73 to USD$127 apiece if computer makers purchase more than 1,000 chips.