Event Coverage

Intel at CES 2011: Sandy Bridge Launch

By Dr. Jimmy Tang - 6 Jan 2011

Sandy Bridge Is Finally Here

Sandy Bridge Is Finally Here

It's press day at CES and Intel started the day with the launch of the 2nd Generation Intel Core processor family. The new processor microarchitecture is built on Intel's 32nm process technology with their second generation high-k metal gate transistors. If you've been following our coverage of Sandy Bridge, you'll remember that this is the first processor with an integrated graphics processor built on the same die. The graphics performance of the processor is made to handle all of today's computing tasks like HD video, mainstream gaming, 3D, social media and multi-tasking.

Along with the new processor, a range of chipsets were introduced, namely the Intel H67, P67, Q67, Q65 and B65 Express chipsets. Simply means, you'll need to buy a new motherboard should you desire to upgrade your system to the latest Sandy Bridge processor. 

As for the new processors, Intel will populate the entire range of desktop and mobile processor space with the new Sandy Bridge. Here's a complete list of what you can expect to see in the stores today and in the coming weeks/months :-

  • Desktop Core i7 processor -
    • i7-2600S (2.8GHz, 8MB cache, 4C/8T))
    • i7-2600K (3.4GHz, 8MB cache, without Intel TXT, 4C/8T)
    • i7-2600 (3.4GHz, 8MB cache, 4C/8T)
  • Desktop Core i5 processor
    • i5-2500S (2.7GHz, 6MB cache, 4C/4T)
    • i5-2500T (2.3GHz, 6MB cache, 4C/4T)
    • i5-2500K (3.3GHz, 6MB cache, without Intel TXT, 4C/4T)
    • i5-2500 (3.3GHz, 6MB cache, 4C/4T)
    • i5-2400S (2.5GHz, 6MB cache, 4C/4T)
    • i5-2400 (3.1GHz, 6MB cache, 4C/4T)
    • i5-2390T (2.7GHz, 3MB cache, 2C/4T)
    • i5-2300 (2.8GHz, 6MB cache, without Intel TXT, 4C/4T)
  • Desktop Core i3 processor (without Turbo Boost and Intel TXT)
    • i3-2120 (3.3GHz, 3MB cache, 2C/4T)
    • i3-2100T (2.5GHz, 3MB cache, 2C/4T)
    • i3-2100S (3.1GHz, 3MB cache, 2C/4T)
  • Mobile Core i7 processor
    • i7-2920XM (2.5GHz, 8MB cache, 4C/8T)
    • i7-2820QM (2.3GHz, 8MB cache, 4C/8T)
    • i7-2720QM (2.2GHz, 6MB cache, 4C/8T)
    • i7-2649M (2.3GHz, 4MB cache, 2C/4T)
    • i7-2629M (2.1GHz, 4MB cache, 2C/4T)
    • i7-2657M (1.6GHz, 4MB cache, 2C/4T)
    • i7-2617M (1.5GHz, 4MB cache, 2C/4T)
  • Mobile Core i5 processor
    • i5-2540M (2.6GHz, 3MB cache, 2C/4T)
    • i5-2520M (2.5GHz, 3MB cache, 2C/4T)
    • i5-2537M (1.4GHz, 3MB cache, 2C/4T)
  • Mobile Core i3 processor
    • i3-2310M (2.1GHz, 3MB cache, 2C/4T)

As you can see, you'll have a wide range of processors to choose depending on your budget and your usage. Of course, the Core i7 would be the better choice with its larger cache, higher speeds and number of cores although Core i5 and i3 processors would fit most user's budgets. The two core/four thread (2C/4T) versions will begin shipping in February while the four core/eight thread (4C/8T) processors are already shipping in some countries although officially it's slated to hit the stores on Jan. 9.

Intel demonstrated how the new second generation mobile Core processor can outperform the fastest first generation Core i7 desktop. Your new Sandy Bridge laptops (like the one above) is going to be more powerful than your old desktop.

Sandy Bridge processors will begin shipping in all types of branded systems, from All-in-Ones to small form factor PCs and laptops.

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