The introduction of new Intel Core i7, i5 and i3 chips coincides with the arrival of Intel's new 32nm manufacturing process, which for the first time in the company's history will be used to immediately produce and deliver processors and features at a variety of price points, and integrate high-definition graphics inside the processor. This rapid ramp reflects Intel's US$7 billion investment announced early in 2009 in the midst of a major global economic recession, Intel pointed out.
Intel unveiled several platform products, including more than 25 processors, wireless adapters and chipsets, including new Intel Core i7, i5 and i3 processors, Intel 5-series chipsets, and Intel Centrino Wi-Fi and WiMAX adapters that include new Intel My Wi-Fi features. More than 400 notebook and desktop platform designs are expected from computer makers based on these products, with another 200 expected for embedded devices, Intel said.
New Intel Core processors are manufactured on the company's 32nm process, which includes Intel's second-generation high-k metal gate transistors. This technique, along with other advances, helps increase a computer's speed while decreasing energy consumption.
Based on Intel's Nehalem microarchitecture, the new desktop, mobile and embedded processors deliver smart performance for music, gaming, videos, movies, photos, social networking and other demanding mainstream applications, according to Intel. In addition, ultra-thin notebooks with all new 2010 Intel Core processors inside provide a balance of performance, style and long battery life for sleek systems less than an inch thick,.
New Intel Core i7 and Core i5 processors also feature exclusive Intel Turbo Boost Technology for adaptive performance, and thus smarter computing. Intel Turbo Boost Technology automatically accelerates performance, adjusting to the workload to give users an immediate performance boost when needed. Intel Hyper-Threading Technology, available in Intel Core i7, Core i5 and Core i3 processors, enables smart multi-tasking by allowing each processing core to run multiple threads, providing amazing responsiveness and performance, balanced with energy efficiency when processing several tasks simultaneously.
Supporting the new Intel Core processors, the Intel 5-series chipset is the company's first single-chip chipset solution, evolving from simply connecting components to providing a range of platform innovation and capabilities. The Intel Core family also has power-saving techniques like one Intel calls 'hurry up and get idle' or 'HUGI,' which enable processors to finish tasks quickly, while preserving battery life.
The new Intel Core processor family is the first to integrate graphics into mainstream PC processors. With Intel HD graphics, the processors deliver visuals and smooth high-definition (HD) video playback. It is also the industry's first integrated solution to deliver multi-channel Dolby TrueHD and DTS Premium Suite home theater audio, Intel said. In addition, Intel HD Graphics support mainstream and casual 3D gaming without the need for an add-in video card, and offer full support for Windows 7, Intel noted.
Another feature available to mainstream notebook buyers includes Intel Switchable Graphics, which allows users who play graphics-intense games to automatically switch between Intel's integrated graphics to a discrete version on the fly, without having to reboot, for optimal battery life and performance.
The new Intel Core embedded processors target devices that leverage PC-like operations in the smarter connected world, including ticket kiosks and self check-out machines, ATMs, digital signage, medical equipment, communications gear and industrial machines.
These embedded devices can optimize workloads, conserve power consumption, remotely manage their connected network, and even gather metrics based on video analytics for more effective advertising campaigns, Intel said.
Intel also expanded the performance-per-watt platform choices for embedded by adding error correcting code memory for applications that require a higher data integrity standard. The embedded processors, together with Intel 5-series chipsets, offer an extended, seven-year life cycle that better matches how long these devices are in the market place.
The Intel Centrino brand now represents Intel's wireless products. Three new Intel Centrino Wireless adapters feature advanced 802.11n multi-stream capabilities and dual-band support for Wi-Fi, offering users up to eight times faster speed, consistent coverage and reliable connectivity while consuming minimal power.
Intel offers a complete line of high-quality adapters and its integrated WiMAX/Wi-Fi adapter supports 2.3, 2.5 and 3.5GHz WiMAX bands delivering up to 20Mbps on the go.
All the adapters support Intel My Wi-Fi Technology, which allows users to turn their notebook into a virtual hotspot and directly connect wireless devices to their notebook. Remote Wi-Fi client management with Intel Embedded IT and Intel Active Management Technology 6.0 also help enable remote client management for the enterprise.
In addition, entry-level workstations now available based on Intel Core i5 with Intel HD graphics or an Intel Xeon 3400-series processors and the Intel 3450 chipset give users access to a workstation platform built around the efficiency, power and reliability demanded of a professional workstation. Intel will also offer the new 2010 Intel Core processor family on Intel vPro Technology later in the quarter to help IT managers and corporations take advantage of hardware-assisted security and manageability capabilities.