A lot has changed since the first Intel Core i series processors came to be five years ago when Intel upended its flagship products from the Pentium processor series to the Core.
The most significant of these is the development of multi-core processors. From a technical standpoint, this made desktops and notebook computers run nearly twice as fast as previous PCs. It also included a number of technical upgrades such as DD3 memory chips, integrated discrete graphics on motherboards, and low power consumption.
Fast forward to 2011, Intel is hoping to break new records with its new Core i “Sandy Bridge” series processors, which include the Core i3, i5, and i7.
While speed was always thought to have been the only reason why a new processor line is being introduced, Intel turned to integrating new features into the new Core i.
During the Philippines launch of the second generation Core i chips, Intel executives showcased these new built-in features, the most unique of which is the integration of a discrete graphics processor (the upgraded Intel HD Graphics 3000) right into the processor itself.
This has three benefits: first, it cuts down cost of production of the processor, second it allows users to maximize the processing power of the chip itself, and third it also saves on space on a motherboard, allowing for smaller motherboard designs.
The integrated graphics processor on the Core i “Sandy Bridge” also has a couple integrated technologies, particularly the Intel Quick Sync Video, which converts full high definition videos in seconds.
A test showed that a 500-megabyte .avi video was converted into a smaller file for an Apple iPod in approximately a minute. Typically, such file sizes take at least 30 minutes to convert.
Still another integrated technology into the processor is the Intel Wireless Display (WiDi 2.0), which allows any PC to project images to a screen wirelessly. This technology isn’t new as Intel already showcased this several years ago.
However, some manufacturers are about to launch WiDi adapters, which can be attached to existing televisions and monitors, thus allowing for compatibility with PCs that have the new Core i series.
Intel has also been harking about WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access), a wireless broadband telecommunications protocol.
Some versions of the new processors would have WiMAX embedded and with the availability of WiMAX services from local telecommunications firms such as Globe Telecoms and Smart Communications, there could be new types of wireless Internet services being enabled soon.
During the launch, several PC manufacturers showcased prototypes and soon-to-be-launched notebook computers with the Intel Core i “Sandy Bridge” processors.
According to Intel Asia Pacific General Manager Navin Shenoy, these new notebooks would be launched by the respective manufacturers in the coming months.
Shenoy also said he expects new designs and form factors of notebook computers coming from the manufacturers especially with the integration of graphics into the processor. Given that motherboard space is literally real estate, there could be additional features that will be integrated into second generation Core i-capable motherboards in the future.
