14 DAY TRIAL // At the beginning of 2012 Intel will launch its first processors built using the 22nm fabrication process, but despite the new manufacturing node, the Ivy Bridge mobile platform will have the same TDP as the current Sandy Bridge based solutions.
The TDPs will range between 55 and 17 Watts depending on the number of computing cores, the operating frequency of the chips and the market segment it addresses.
Starting from top to bottom, just as it's the case with the current Sandy Bridge processors, only one CPU will have a TDP of 55W and this targets users who require extreme performance and an ultra-fast quad-core CPU.
Mainstream and performance users will be more interested in choosing the next chips in Intel's Ivy Bridge lineup that feature dual and quad processing cores as well as a 35W or 45W TDP.
Outside of these chips, the Santa Clara company will also manufacture other 35W CPUs that go for the legacy and value market segments, as well as Low Voltage and Ultra Low Voltage variants that consume 25W and 17W, respectively.
Intel's Ivy Bridge processors are a die 22nm shrink of the Sandy Bridge core and feature the same architecture with a few minor tweaks and an improved graphics core.
According to previous reports, the on-die GPU will receive DirectX 11 support as well as 50% more EUs than the Sandy Bridge graphics core.
Other CPU features include better AVX performance, an integrated PCI Express 3.0 controller as well as native USB 3.0 thanks to the Panther Point chipsets.
PCI Express 3.0 should double the bandwidth available for add-in cards from 500MB/s per lane to 1GB/s per lane.
The first processors based on the Ivy Bridge architecture are expected to make their entrance at the beginning of next year, together with the 7-series Panther Point chipsets. (via ComputerBase)
