Intel is set to launch what has been termed the ‘Ivy Bridge’ update. Ivy Bridge will replace Sandy Bridge sometime in April but it will not be generally available until summer.
Ivy Bridge will feature 3D transistors instead of 2D transistors providing a 37% performance increase. Intel is also adding a couple new Hex core CPUs that will require an all new motherboard that plans to feature the LGA 2011 socket. The LGA 2011 will replace the LGA 1366.
In addition Intel has started shipping their new Atom CPU ‘Cedar Trail’ N2600 & N2800, which will feature a more widespread implementation of WiDi, something XLDent has been waiting for in higher end chipsets. Cedar Trail also features a new graphics card that offers two times the performance of previous generations and reduces power consumption by up to 20%.
Intel will be launching a new XEON CPU early in 2012 called the “E5”. The XEON E5 will succeed the 5600 chips which are based on the Westmere architecture. The New E5 will be based on Sandy Bridge. Additionally they will offer “E7” XEON CPUs with up to 10 cores however these will be based on the older Westmere technology.
With all of this said, we may see a delay in launches and adoption due to the hard drive situation. As noted, there are new sockets, which mean new motherboards, which mean new chassis, which mean…we will make sure Intel has all their ducks in a row and everything works together before we launch our new 2012 platform. As is consistent with our development philosophy, we are for leading edge….not bleeding edge.
