Intel unveils next-generation processor roadmap
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 (Credit: Juniper Foo/CNET Asia) |
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Going 32nm
Two years after showcasing the 45nm Penryn processor at IDF 2007, the chipmaker this week demonstrated its next-generation 32nm chip called Westmere, running in a PC.
Expected to go into full production in the fourth quarter of this year, Westmere will be Intel's first chip to integrate a graphics die. In other words, this is one processor with both the CPU and GPU in one package. Obviously, the benefits of such an arrangement will typically result in more power efficiencies, faster processing, and eventually lower costs.
Following Westmere, Intel will be introducing Sandybridge, another 32nm chip that will feature the company's sixth-generation graphics core in the CPU. A computer running an early production unit of Sandybridge was also showcased during the keynote by Sean Maloney, executive VP and general manager of Intel's Architecture Group.
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) Click for a larger image (Credit: Juniper Foo/CNET Asia) |
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What surprised many people at IDF was when Intel CEO and president Paul Otellini displayed a wafer containing the world's first working chips based on the 22nm manufacturing technology. This is the first time Intel has unveiled a 22nm processor, though it is not expected to be out in the market until the second half of 2011, in line with the launch of the next-generation silicon technology every two years.
According to Intel, a 22nm chip packs 2.9 billion transistors in an area as small as a fingernail, at approximately twice the density of the 32nm processor. It will also sport the third-generation of the high-k metal gate technology first introduced two years ago in the 45nm silicon. This reportedly helps to reduce current leakage significantly and allow for smaller components to be manufactured.
Showing off Larabee
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) Click for a larger image (Credit: Juniper Foo/CNET Asia) |
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Nehalem chips for laptops
As expected, Intel announced the Core i7 and Core i7 Extreme mobile processors on the second day of IDF. Based on the Nehalem architecture, these quad-core chips are the fastest laptop processors to date from Intel and will likely be found in high-end performance systems used for gaming and multimedia editing. They are equipped with smart technologies such as Intel Turbo Boost and Intel Hyper-Threading which allows better optimization of performance and battery life when needed.
Earlier during the opening keynote, an Arrandale notebook was demoed, running on a 32nm Nehalem mobile chip which integrates the graphics into the CPU.
Jasper Forest
This is basically an embedded processor based on Nehalem for use in applications such as communications, storage and military where it is designed to save board space and power.
If you are confused by all the names of the Intel processors, one of the bloggers at CNET.com has done a nice roundup of the various Intel chips and their codenames. You can check out the full article here.
Tags: Juniper Networks Inc., Moore, Larabee, Chip, processor
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