Intel @ Computex 2010

Sandy Bridge is alive and kicking

At the opening keynote at Computex Taipei 2010, David (Dadi) Perlmutter demonstrated for the first time, a live running machine based on the new Sandy Bridge microarchitecture. The new processor slated for release in 2011 will be the first integrated graphics processor fabricated on Intel's 32nm process technology. The single die silicon will come integrated with a powerful graphics processing unit which promises to do more for 3D gaming enthusiasts. However, they are not targeting high-end gaming as they still believe discrete graphics is the way to go, but for casual gamers that need decent 3D performance, Intel is confident that Sandy Bridge will do just that.

According to Intel, Sandy Bridge will contain up to 1.12 billion transistors. It's not as complex as their six-core Dunnington which had up to 1.9 billion transistors. Considering that it had to accomodate a graphics core, we're expecting the first Sandy Bridge processors to be a four-core part. 

In the Sandy Bridge demonstration, Intel showed how the processor was able to handle 3D graphics with full image settings compared to today's system with a Core i7 and a mainstream discrete graphics component. The demo did not contain any fast moving scenes, so it's hard to judge where it stands in terms of fps, but the image quality was good and it was difficult to tell between one from the other.

Intel also showed how much power was drawn from the Sandy Bridge platform and considering it was running 3D, power consumption looks impressive. Although no absolute numbers were shown, an average of 50% in power savings could be possible.

It's difficult to draw any conclusions now, so we'll let you be the judge of it with the video below.

Mobos with the new Intel Series 6 chipset

With the new Sandy Bridge microarchitecture looming in the horizon, Intel also showcased new motherboard designs based on the upcoming Intel 6-Series chipset. Not much information were released about the chipset, but they would be used together with the Sandy Bridge and would probably come with updated connectivity like SATA 6G and a higher speed PCI Express.

Here's an early preview of what some motherboard manufacturers have to offer.

The Atom Just Got Better

The popular Atom processor just got a much needed boost with even more enhancements and processing power. This comes in the form of adding a second core to their line-up of processors for the netbook platform. The new processors will be compatible with the Pine Trail platform and according to company officials, will begin production next week. Expect to see some really nifty mobile dual-core Atom netbooks by Christmas. The dual-core Atom will provide more computing horsepower and give you a more responsive netbook experience, though editing photos in Photoshop and playing 3D games would still not be the kind of activities you want to engage in.

Besides giving the Atom a second core, Intel also demonstrated a new netbook design known as Canoe Lake. The design is an innovative razor thin platform that will enable developers to create some of the world's thinnest netbooks based on Pine Trail. At just 14mm in "thin-ness", the design can accomodate up to a dual-core Atom processor. With this design concept, you can expect to see a lot more thin and light netbooks in the market place soon.

In order to further push Atom into sleeker and more innovative devices, like tablets, Intel added a new platform into their Atom roadmap. Known as Oak Trail, the platform will be optimized for tablets and sleeker netbook form factors.  It promises to deliver up to 50 percent reduction in average power consumption with HD video playback and will target operating systems like MeeGo, WIndows 7 and Google OSes. The Oak Trail is slated for early 2011, so you still have up quite a bit of time to save up for devices based on this new platform.

DDR3 support will also be sneaking its way into the Atom with today's announcement of the Intel Atom single-processor N455 and dual-core processor N475 for netbook and the dual-core D525 and single-core D425 for entry-level desktop. The new netbook processors are made available today while the desktop processors will be available in June 21. We don't think DDR3 would make much difference in the performance of the Atom as we think the introduction is more of addressing the cost and mainstream availability of memory for such devices.

The Embedded World

Besides netbooks, notebooks, desktops, all-in-one PCs, tablets and NAS (Network Attached Storage) devices, the Intel processor is increasingly finding its way into more and more devices. These range from household appliances to retail kiosks. Intel plans to bring their processors into more of such applications, giving them the added intelligence and computing capabilities that was never possible. 

Intel also demonstrated the System on Chip (SoC) Atom-based Tunnel Creek that will allow developers to connect their own custom silicon to Intel's SoC product.  To date, Intel has already received more than 3000 non-PC design inquiries for such a solution to power products ranging from fish finders to golf carts.

3D Without NVIDIA 3D Vision

Intel demonstrated 3D Blu-ray playback on notebooks based on Intel Core processor with Intel HD graphics. The demonstration was done with a prototype notebook from Dell and it uses a new kind of display that does not require expensive 120Hz LCD screens and messy setup with clunky transmitter for active 3D glasses. Instead, the display polarizes both the left and right eye images so that users need only use a passive and inexpensive polarized glasses to view 3D movies. Needless to say, the display cost is much cheaper than those required by NVIDIA's 3D Vision. Currently, only one manufacturer (CPT) produces these panels and it may be a while before these start to hit the market.

The New K-SKUs

The new Intel unlocked desktop processors now delivers enthusiasts with unlimited overclocking freedom. Currently only available in two SKUs, the Intel Core i7-875K and Intel Core i5-655K are identical to the existing Intel Core i7-870 and Intel Core i5-650. Without the core ratios locked, there's much one can do to boost the performance of their PCs and only the brave will get more than they bargained for. The new Core i7-875K and Core i5-655K are priced (1ku) at US$342 and US$216 respectively.

Intel Wireless Display

Demonstrated during CES in January this year, Intel's Wireless Display technology will soon be available. The technology allows notebook users to transmit their display's content wirelessly (through WiFi) to their TV. On the TV's end, you'll have to install a receiver which will connect with your laptop to receive the display content and then display it on the screen. Through compression techniques (we were told that they would use lossy compression algorithms which can somewhat degrade quality), they can transmit full motion video at up to 720p resolution. Expect Intel to improve this technology in the future as they have plans to further improve its quality and resolution.

Moorestown Comes to Town

Intel also demonstrated the next generation Intel Atom platform for smartphones, handhelds and tablets with Moorestown. The platform consists of the Intel Atom Processor Z6xx series and the Intel Platform Controller Hub MP20. It also features a dedicated Mixed Signal IC (known formerly as Briertown) and wireless communications options, including 3G/HSPA. This next generation platform promises significant power reductions for much improved battery life in addition to performance that enables it to perform all sorts of media operations, 3D graphics and software applications.

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