14 DAY TRIAL // Intel's new Fab in Kiryat Gat, Israel, though under construction, already produces next-generation CPUs based on 45nm technology. The new CPU is dubbed Penryn and exists in very limited numbers used for testing and evaluation. These models are the world's first computer chips to be manufactured using such an advanced production process.
Maxine Fasberg, the manager of Fab 28, states that the new Fab will be the world's largest CPU factory, and the largest of Intel's Fabs to be established in a single phase. The new campus includes four buildings: the Fab itself, a parking building, an office building and an utilities building, with the latter alone being larger than the entire Fab 18 - Intel's older Fab in Kiryat Gat. The new Fab 28 will soon provide a production zone of 20,000 square meters. Intel spokesmen also mention that it is built in such a way that would enable its expansion by 50% in the future. Fab 28 is already prepared to produce 45nm micro-processors and it will be upgraded over time in order to produce four future generations of Intel CPUs. Fab 28 will also feature a clean room, which is to be constructed in 8 "phases", while the first equipment is scheduled to be installed in June. However, the first products will leave the factory no sooner than March 2008, and Fab 28 will reach 100% efficiency by June 2009, delivering 7,500 units of 300mm silicon wafers a week.
Roni Friedman, manager of the processor development team in Intel's research center in Haifa, has publicly showcased, as a world premier, two of Intel's next-generation 45nm Penryn CPUs.
Additionally, Friedman reveals that these CPUs are currently undergoing final phases of testing and debugging at Intel's development center in Haifa. The codename Penryn CPUs were designed in the USA, with further assistance from Israeli engineers and are due to be launched in the second half of 2007, with no expected changes of schedule.