Intel rolls out 16 45-nm processors for laptops, desktops, servers

Intel Corp. has rolled out 16 processors that use the chip giant’s hafnium-based high-k metal gate (Hi-k) formula and 45nm manufacturing process for better performance and reduce power, at the 2008 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. The rollout includes Intel’s first 45-nm processors for Intel Centrino-based laptops.

Intel tipped such a move last month at a press event in New York when it confirmed that its “Penryn” line would launch in Q1. The Hi-K formula is meant to boost processor speed, lower power requirements, and allow PCs to save on battery life.

Intel said it will leverage these new processors to take advantage of its transistor and manufacturing technology to drive a category of small form-factor, low-power, high-performance devices for “in your pocket” broadband Internet access, since the processors are up to 25% smaller than previous versions, so computer makers can create sleek, new designs for consumers ranging from stylish all-in-one desktop PCs to smaller notebooks.

Of the processors, 12 are designed for laptop and desktop products; 4 are aimed at servers; and all are lead-free. Starting this year, Intel’s processors will be halogen-free, as well, to make the processors more eco-friendly.

To address the mobile computing market, Intel is now shipping 5 new mobile processors, that the company claims allows breakthrough performance and improved battery life. And to extend battery life, Intel has included a Core microarchitecture design feature for advanced power management state called “Deep Power Down” that is meant to reduce the power of the processor when it’s not running data or instructions to the laptop.

The company reminded that these processors are the foundation for its Centrino platform for laptops, and aim to deliver improved content and video capabilities with HD DVD and Blu-Ray support with an optional third-party decoder. Centrino-based notebooks also include the mobile Intel 965 Express chipset and wireless networking including the optional support for 802.11n networks.

Further, Intel said it added new video and graphics capabilities with “HD Boost” that includes streaming SIMD extensions 4 (SSE4) for speeding up workloads including video encoding for high-definition and photo manipulation.

Intel said it will use this mobile technology foundation and energy-efficient performance to allow smaller, cooler and quieter, stylish desktop designs, to address the increasingly popular “all-in-one” category, as well as provide the performance to run a variety of digital media and the latest software simultaneously, along with enhanced high-definition video and smoother playback using Intel Clear Video technology.

Pushing the power of the full Internet to the pocket, Intel explained that its strategy is to use low-power Intel architecture platforms that are meant to reduce CPU and chipset power, along with package size. Along these lines, Intel said it plans to ship its first-generation low-power platform chipset for ultra mobile and mobile Internet devices in the first half of this year.

Also, building on its November introduction of the Core2 Extreme quad-core processor QX9650, Intel announced today 3 quad-core and four dual-core 45-nm-based processors for mainstream desktop PCs, set to be available later this month and throughout Q1.

Dual-core desktop processor-based PCs using these new processors begin shipping this month; quad-core-based systems plan to arrive later this quarter.

The company also introduced 4 Intel Xeon processors for servers and workstations expected to ship this quarter.

Mooly Eden, VP and general manager of the mobile platforms group at Intel, said the new products being announced today are meant to provide consumers and businesses with “sleeker and higher-performing laptops and more powerful and fashionable PCs that deliver for the most hard-core gamer, high-definition enthusiast and just about every other consumer demand."

Later this year, he noted that Intel will begin delivering the mobile Internet with much smaller, lighter and powerful Internet-enabled devices that ultimately will “fit right into your pocket.”

Intel Corp.