Quad-core processors are currently limited to the highest of the high-end computers available right now, but if figures are to be believed that could all be about to change very rapidly indeed.

Recent estimates from iSuppli Corporation suggest that quad-core penetration in mainstream machines will have risen to 7% by the end of 2007, followed by further gradual increases resulting in a 49% penetration rate by the end of 2009.

Whilst the figures may seem quite staggering now given the current lack of any mainstream quad-core setups, it is worth remembering that the sale of dual-core desktops has increased steadily since 2006, and the trend looks set to continue for some time.

Principal analyst of computer platforms at iSuppli, Matthew Wilkins offered the following statement:

“Quad-core microprocessor technology is coming to the mainstream, and with it is coming capabilities that presently are reserved only for high-end systems.

It will allow users to do more tasks simultaneously, but now, the more can be converting videos, burning DVDs, playing complex 3D games, or ripping music—all at once—and still have performance to spare.

To put this into context, a quad-core-based PC is very similar to a quad-microprocessor system from the pre-multicore era, such as a workstation or server, which would have been very high-end system, priced well in excess of $10,000.”

In comparison, quad-core equipped performance desktops have already achieved a 16% penetration rate, which looks set to rise to 33% by the end of the year, with a massive 94% uptake by the end of 2009.

You can read iSuppli’s full report at their official website, here.