14 DAY TRIAL // In mini personal computers, and even all-in-one PCs, system designers usually employ the CPUs (central processing units) normally used in laptops. Intel wants to make something special for them, however.
According to a roadmap posted by VR-Zone China, Chipzilla is preparing Core i “Haswell” R-series microprocessors in ball-grid array packaging (BGA).
For those unaware, BGA are processors that cannot be removed from the mainboard, unlike LGA that can easily be swapped.
The mini PC CPUs are called Core i7-4770R, Core i5-4670R and Core i5-4570R.
Intel hasn't confirmed any of this of course, since corporations don't comment on unannounced products. Usually.
Their most uncanny trait is that they possess better graphics processors than the normal LGA units (desktop chips).
Where the latter will have HD 4600 graphics (with 20 execution units and no on-package cache), the R-Series will boast HD 5200 (40 execution units and on-package cache).
Multi-sample antialiasing (MSAA) and memory bandwidth hungry graphics effects will function better thanks to those specifications.
This will give small form factor PCs, and whatever laptops companies decide to use the chips in, a much-needed boost in video and game performance.
It is really the only course of action when there isn't any room for an add-in graphics card like on desktops, or if it cost too much to include a discrete notebook GPU.
The BGA Core i7-4770R, Core i5-4670R and Core i5-4570R will have TDP (thermal design power) of 65W.
There is, of course, a catch: PC makers who want to make powerful small desktop PCs with integrated graphics will have to buy the BGA chips with mainboards, which will boost Intel's income, but reduce their design options.
The implied endorsement of un-upgradable form factor might also be worrisome, and adds credence to older reports of Intel steadily preparing the industry for a time without removable CPUs.