Intel Plans 32-Core Processor by 2009/2010

It might be time to change our way of thinking about processor speed. Now Intel is hinting at processors with 32 cores available by the end of this decade. Sure, the company predicted 20GHz chips by 2010 a few years ago, but now instead of higher gigahertz numbers, they're talking multiple cores that will result in a processor that will be 15 times faster than today's quickest chips Intel has assigned the pet name "Keifer" to the many-core processor project in general and "Gulftown" specifically to its 32-core processor that will be manufactured using a 32nm process, and it will include eight processing nodes, each with four cores. The jaw-dropper is that each one of these cores will be running at a paltry 2GHz, but since there are 32 of them, they'll leave today's processors in the dust. That is, unless Intel thinks of something else between now and then, which wouldn't be all that unusual. – Charlie White

The new Intel Core i7 Processor

About this time last year Intel launched what was the fastest 45nm quad core CPU on the planet, the Intel Core 2 Quad QX9770. Well, guess what, Intel has done it again with the latest architectural achievement, the Core I7 Extreme 965. What the two have is common is that they both are based on Penryn cores, they both are 45 nanometer chips and they both run at a clock speed of 3.2GHz. After these things what you have is a whole new animal. Gone from this chip is the twelve megabytes of L2 cache, this is replaced by a third level of cache at 8MB. Slow and inefficient it is not. With the addition of an integrated memory controller, the memory bandwidth is expected to be huge by comparison to today’s top of the line processors, somewhere close to two to three times the peak bandwidth. SMT (Simultaneous Multi Threading) has made a return on the Core I7 generation. This will enable the processor to run a total of eight threads at one time. Some other new features are Dynamic Energy Management, new SSE4 instructions, three level cache with a shared 8MB L3 cache and improved branch prediction. Many are interested in the new efficiencies and features, while many think this generation will be the Holy Grail of processors, Let’s find out just how it performs. That’s the question that is on everyone’s mind.

Classmate PC system.

Expect to see several new netbook models come out at the upcoming CES 2009 conference in Las Vegas (which we’ll be at to cover of course). Several companies are expected to introduce touch-enabled netbook systems – one of which is Intel Corporation with a tablet-styled Classmate PC system. The folks at LaptopMag managed to get some one on one time with the system (lucky them!) and yes – there are a lot of awesome pictures also. Here are some tidbits from the article:
The system is being manufactured by CTL
Top of the system is now a cool sky blue color
Specs include 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270 processor, 60GB HDD, 8.9 inch screen, and Windows XP
Preloaded with touch-screen enabled software including “Vision Objects Pen Input” which performs handwriting recognition
Touch-screen is responsive to both fingers and a stylus
Built-in accelerometer
This certainly can be a great addition to kids around the world – but more importantly, this shows hardware manufacturers that touch-enabled netbooks can also be made generally available to all consumers.

Intel P55 chipset in Q3 2009 - codenamed Ibex Peak

Intel plans to launch its new P55 chipset in Q3 2009. Intel P55 will supports all Nehalem-based processors (Lynnfield and Havendale) that fits in socket LGA 1160 including the ones with an IGP. P55 consits of only one chip contrary to other dual-chip chipsets.

ATFX x58 Gaming System - As Reviewed in PCFormat issue 223 Feb 2009

Intel DG45ID Motherboard CPU BundleThe ideal mainstream platform for home applications...the Intel DG45ID Motherboard. Your ideal home entertainment system is finally here. Come experience the next level of home entertainment brought to you by the Intel® Desktop Board DG45ID. With support for a wide range of the latest Intel® socket 775 45nm processors, including the new Intel® Core™2 Quad and Intel® Core™2 Duo processors, this board brings the best-in-class home entertainment experience to your living room. This board is designed to bring you the next level of quality home entertainment experience with integrated HDMI display output and hardware accelerated decode during high-definition playback. The Intel DG45ID motherboard also supports Dolby Home Theater* and is Microsoft Windows Vista* Premium WHQL certified. If you are looking for the perfect start for a quad core computer system, grab this bundle deal with the Intel DG45ID motherboard and Intel E7300 dual core processor.

ATFX x58 Gaming System - As Reviewed in PCFormat issue 223 Feb 2009

ATFX x58 Gaming System - As Reviewed in PCFormat issue 223 Feb 2009 Brilliantly fast, With faster, intelligent, multi-core technology that applies processing power where it's needed most, new Intel® ATFX Core™ i7 Gaming PC deliver's an incredible breakthrough in PC performance. You'll multitask applications faster and unleash incredible digital media creation. And you'll experience maximum performance for everything you do, thanks to the combination of Intel® Turbo Boost technology² and Intel® Hyper-Threading technology (Intel® HT technology)³, which maximizes performance to match your workload.

Gigabyte EP45-UD3R (Intel P45)

Gigabyte EP45-UD3R - Layout and Features
Judging by the quality of the expansion slots, we've got a regular mid-end motherboard. But Gigabyte is positioning it somehow higher, for which there are certain reasons. First, the motherboard stands out with its expansion options which include an additional RAID controller, as well as a FireWire controller. Secondly, the board offers quite a high-capacity power converter of the CPU, as well as an efficient cooling system