Date: 24/04/2012

22nm, 3D tri-gate transistor based Intel Ivy Bridge processor launched

Intel has introduced the new most integrated Quad-core processors called Ivy Bridge for the traditional high-end desktop, laptop, and also fast emerging all-in-one PCs and ultrabook mobile computers. Intel is first in the market and much ahead of its competition in producing semiconductor chips using 22nm node and 3-D tri-gate transistor technology, which is also called finfet tech.

The key features of 22nm quad core graphic processor integrated Ivy Bridge includes:

1. 2x performance increase in 3-D graphics and HD media processing compared with Intel's previous generation of chips.
2. 20 percent microprocessor performance improvements with faster inter-chip communication interface.

3. Uses new "tick-tock" model of processor design: Intel explains previously it has adhered to a strict "tick-tock" model in which a new manufacturing process was introduced in 1 year (the "tick"), and the architecture of the chip (the "tock") was altered the next. The ability to accelerate the roadmap and change both the chips' architecture and the manufacturing process at the same time was made possible, says Intel.

4. Intel HD Graphics 4000 supports Microsoft DirectX 11, OpenGL 3.1 and OpenCL 1.1.

5. Quick Sync Video 2.0 technology built into the new processors. Intel claims people can convert their videos up to two times faster than even last year's processors and up to 23 times faster than PCs just three years old.

6. The security features include: Intel Secure Key and Intel OS Guard to safeguard personal data and identity. Intel Secure Key consists of a digital random number generator that creates truly random numbers to strengthen encryption algorithms. Intel OS Guard helps defend against privilege escalation attacks where a hacker remotely takes over another person's system.

7. When paired with the Intel Series 7 Chipset, the new processors with Intel IPT can make a portion of the screen unreadable to spyware with the "protected transaction display" feature.

8. USB 3.0 integrated into the Series 7 Platform Controller Hub (PCH) and PCI Express 3.0 integrated into the processor.

Availability: April 2012

GlobalFoudries and TSMC are speeding up to move to 22nm but Intel is going at high speed in node race.