Intel at CES 2011: Sandy Bridge Launch
At the CES press day, Intel officially launched the much awaited 2nd generation Core processor family, much better known as Sandy Bridge. The new processor promises faster compute performance as well as improved graphics performance, an updated WiDi 2.0, Intel Quick Sync and Intel Insider.
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.
There's More Than Sand Below The Bridge
With 1.16 billion transistors in a single silicon die, the new 2nd generation Core processor is more than just higher computing performance. Its integrated graphics processor is surprisingly powerful, with the ability to handle popular game titles like World of Warcraft and even the upcoming Portal 2 game by Valve. Besides general gaming, Intel doesn't think that their integrated graphics will replace discrete cards as high end gamers would still prefer to game with the maximum graphics quality setting.
Gabe Newell, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Valve, was at the Intel Sandy Bridge launch to give the audience a sneak peek of Portal 2, which is scheduled to release in April 2011.
The integrated graphics processor is also built to handle video transcoding, something that most YouTubers or Facebookers would find absolutely useful in this day and age. The new video technology, called Intel Quick Sync, can convert a 4 minute HD video file on a laptop into an iPod format in only 16 seconds. Video transcoding software such as Roxio's Video Copy & Convert and CyberLink's MediaEspresso 6.5 will immediately take advantage of the new processor's Intel Quick Sync feature.
For laptops with the new Sandy Bridge processor and Intel's wireless networking component, users can expect to find the new Intel Wireless Display 2.0 (WiDi) technology. With the new WiDi 2.0, users can now stream video wirelessly to their Full HD TVs at 1080p resolution. This would enable users to share their video content on their laptop at the highest possible video resolution without the need to use a HDMI cable. Besides being a great feature for entertainment purposes, WiDi 2.0 is also great for business users as presentations can now be made in the meeting boardroom without messy cables.
Finally, Intel also announced the availability of Intel Insider, a new feature that gives consumers access to movies on their PCs in full 1080p definition. Because of the built-in hardware encryption technology found only in the Sandy Bridge, Intel is able to collaborate with Hollywood and Bollywood studios to create a protected environment to distribute, store and playback of premium content. With Intel Insider, it seems that the movie industry is taking baby steps towards the distribution of premium content through the internet. Perhaps one day, we'll be able to finally watch a movie premier at the comfort of our own home theatre. However, it may be a really long while before studios begin to distribute beyond the United States and Europe, considering how long it's taking iTunes to even make its debut in the Asian region.
Kevin Tsujihara, Warner Home Entertainment Group President (left), explains to Mooly Eden, vice president and general manager, PC Client Group at Intel (right), the importance of Intel Insider in the delivery of content securely through the internet.
That's all we have for now, folks. Tune in again tomorrow as we bring you more goodies from the CES show floor when it officially opens tomorrow.
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