Intel is reported to have a new 5GHz i9-9990XE processor that will unfortunately won't hit the retail shelves.

Instead, the chip has to be bought by OEMs in an auction, Anantdech reports.

Intel's current most powerful desktop processor is the i9-9980XE, which has 18 cores/36 threads, clock speeds between 3.0 and 4.5GHz, and it draws 165W. The new i9-9990XE has fewer cores—14 cores/28 thread, same as a 9940X—but it boasts clock speeds between 4.0 and 5.0GHz, with the power draw to hit the 255W. The i9-9990XE is said to use the existing LGA2066 socket and X299 chipset.

Last year, Intel demonstrated an overclocked machine with 28 cores running 5GHz across all cores.

According to Anandtech, Intel won't be selling this chip through regular retail channels, and it won't have a regular list price. Instead, the chip company is asking system builders to bid for the chips in an online auction. The auctions will be held quarterly.

This strange approach to selling the chip is likely indicative that the Intel won't be able to produce large quantities of it.