Even though Core i5 isn't going to launch until late 2009, Intel is already planning on its Westmere-based replacement, codenamed "Clarkdale". Clarkdale will be targeting the same mainstream desktop market, but will include an integrated graphics core, have two or four cores. Like Lynnfield it will use socket LGA1156, and will have dual-channel memory support.
The last product line is aimed at the mobile sector, and will focus on making the Nehalem architecture draw significantly less wattage, lowering its Thermal Design Power (TDP), which is critical for battery life in mobile computing devices like laptops. The mobile-version of the Nehalem architecture is codenamed "Clarksfield", and will be available in mid-2009. Not a whole lot is known about this family of processors yet, except that they will also be quad-core parts. Their 32mm Westmere successors are codenamed Arrandale, and should also be available near the end of 2009.
Say hello to the new Intel 5-series chipsets:
Since Westmere integrates a memory controller and a new graphics core into the processor, the new series of mainstream Intel chipsets won't have quite as many jobs to do. The new LGA1156 Intel P55 Express chipsets will replace the current socket LGA775 P45 Express chipset as Intel's mainstream chipset line. The most important change is that there won't be a northbridge and southbridge anymore.
Intel chipsets used to be split into two separate parts, with the northbridge controlling interfacing between the processor, memory and graphics subsystems, while a secondary chip, called the southbridge, is used to control the I/O storage functions of the motherboard. The new Intel 5-series of chipsets no longer have to worry about controlling memory or graphics, so they can integrate storage functionality and interconnects between system peripherals into a single chip.
Graphically, the Intel P55 Express is very similar to the P45 Express, in that it will support a single PCI Express 2.0 x16 connection, or dual PCI Express 2.0 x8 connections. While CrossfireX support with multiple AMD videocards is promised, it's still unknown if NVIDIA will allows SLI support to be added to the Intel P55 chipset. The Intel P55 Express chipset is due out at the same time as the Core i5 processor, likely midway through 2009.
If you're a little overwhelmed by Intel's upcoming lineup of processors, don't worry, you're not alone. While the Core 2 line of processors are still on the market and the Core i7's are still reserved for the most extreme of enthusiasts, Intel will be introducing no less than five different lines of consumer-level processors in the next twelve months. The tick-tock strategy is in full-effect, and Intel is deploying their chips right on schedule.
Read more >>